JAKARTA, iNews.id – First Lady Iriana Jokowi has officially opened the 2023 Nusantara Craft Exhibition (Kriyanusa). Running from September 13-17, 2023, the exhibition serves as a platform for skilled artisans from across the country to showcase their works. "With bismillahirrahmanirrahim, I declare the 2023 Kriyanusa Exhibition open,” said Iriana at the opening ceremony held at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC) on Wednesday (9/13/2023).

Kriyanusa is organized by the National Craft Council (Dekranas). This year, the theme is 'Superior Crafts, Advanced Indonesia.' The event aims to promote and support high-quality crafts as one of Indonesia’s valuable assets.

The Chairperson of the Kriyanusa 2023 Exhibition Committee, Sri Suparni Bahlil, stated that the exhibition not only showcases unique handicrafts but also highlights the spirit, innovation, and creativity of the artisans behind them.

Additionally, the organization of Kriyanusa reflects Dekranas' commitment to enhancing the capacity of craft entrepreneurs, with the goal of fostering the creation and development of local craft products while preserving the cultural heritage of all regions in Indonesia.

"This exhibition serves as a platform to assist in the marketing of products supported by Dekranasda and provides space for the Indonesian craft industry to continue fostering creativity and innovation in order to improve its business performance and showcase its superior products,” said Sri Suparni.

In an era dominated by advanced technology and economic progress, Indonesia continues to find its strength and appeal in an invaluable asset: crafts. In line with this, Dekranas highlights high-quality crafts as one of the main pillars in Indonesia’s journey toward national advancement.

Superior crafts, which encompass traditional Indonesian handicrafts and art, play an increasingly vital role in shaping national identity and significantly contribute to the country’s creative economy.

Local artisans skillfully combine tradition with innovation to create products that captivate the global market. Through their creative touch, crafts such as batik, traditional fabrics, weaving, pottery, and wood carvings have gained international recognition. This marks an important step toward a more advanced Indonesia.

"The government, artisans, academics, communities, media, and all craft enthusiasts must continue working together to develop superior crafts as an invaluable economic and cultural resource,” said Reni Yanita, Secretary General of Dekranas and Director General of Small, Medium, and Miscellaneous Industries at the Ministry of Industry.

This also presents an investment opportunity to support artisans and the craft industry, enabling them to grow and compete globally.

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