JAKARTA, Jurnas.com – The National Crafts Council (Dekranas) is once again holding the Kriyanusa 2023 Exhibition, themed "Superior Crafts, Advanced Indonesia,” at the Jakarta Convention Center from September 13-17, 2023.
"This event aims to promote and encourage superior crafts as one of Indonesia’s most valuable assets in facing global market challenges,” said Sri Suparni Bahlil, Chairperson of the Kriyanusa 2023 Exhibition Committee.
The Kriyanusa 2023 Exhibition will serve as a platform for skilled artisans from across the country to showcase their beautiful and creative works.
This exhibition not only features unique handmade crafts but also highlights the spirit of innovation and boundless creativity in producing superior craft products.
"This exhibition is a means to support the marketing of products nurtured by Dekranasda and provides space for the Nusantara craft industry to continuously foster creativity and innovation to enhance business performance and showcase its best products,” she explained.
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In an era increasingly dominated by advanced technology and economic progress, Indonesia finds its strength and uniqueness in an invaluable asset: crafts.
As part of an effort to promote cultural heritage and drive economic innovation, Dekranas emphasizes superior crafts as a key pillar in Indonesia’s journey toward national progress.
Superior crafts, which encompass Indonesian handmade crafts and traditional arts, are becoming increasingly essential in shaping national identity and significantly contributing to the country’s creative economy.
"Superior crafts are not just about honoring tradition and culture but also about creating jobs, promoting sustainability, and generating significant economic benefits for Indonesia,” said Wury Ma’ruf Amin in her opening speech at Kriyanusa 2023.
One of the aspects that captivates the world is the extraordinary creativity embedded in every Indonesian superior craft product.
Local artisans are highly skilled in blending tradition and innovation to create products that captivate the global market.
With their creative touch, crafts such as batik, woven textiles, wickerwork, pottery, and carvings have attracted consumers worldwide.
"The government, artisans, academics, communities, media, and all craft enthusiasts must continue working together to develop superior crafts as invaluable economic and cultural resources,” stated Reni Yanita, Secretary General of Dekranas and Director General of Small, Medium, and Various Industries at the Ministry of Industry.
"This is also an opportunity for investment that can support artisans and craft industry players in growing and competing globally. Additionally, Kriyanusa is a highly anticipated craft exhibition not only in Indonesia but also internationally, as it showcases outstanding regional craft products created by skilled and competitive MSMEs,” she added.
Betawi Cultural Icon
This year, the Kriyanusa Exhibition highlights Betawi cultural icons. "This opportunity serves as a joint effort to introduce and promote Betawi’s rich heritage to younger generations and the wider community,” said Sri Suparni Bahlil.
"It is also a chance to raise awareness about the importance of preserving Indonesia’s cultural heritage,” she added.
Meanwhile, Musa Widyatmojo, Chairman of the Kriyanusa Exhibition’s Daily Committee, explained that Dekranas applies strict curation for artisans. "All participants must present handmade crafts, not machine-made or printed items. Dekranas is also very strict in ensuring that the exhibited crafts use locally sourced materials,” he said.
The Kriyanusa 2023 Exhibition will also feature various events such as talk shows, craft demonstrations, fashion shows, and cultural performances from different regions, with a total of 27 collaborative events involving Dekranas, Dekranasda, ministries, agencies, and communities.
The Kriyanusa 2023 Exhibition will be further enriched by the Dekranas Award program, an initiative to recognize creative entrepreneurs and artisans for their best works in Indonesian crafts.
"A total of 377 product types have been submitted to the Dekranas Award committee, which will be evaluated and curated by professional and independent judges,” explained Liza Mustafa Abubakar, Chairperson of the Dekranas Award Committee.
Additionally, visitors can enjoy Betawi’s traditional cuisine and various other regional dishes at the exhibition’s food stalls during their visit.
The Kriyanusa 2023 event, initiated by Dekranas, is attended by participants from various regions, including artisans supported by Dekranas/Dekranasda across Indonesia, as well as artisans fostered by ministries, agencies, and state-owned enterprises (BUMN), filling a total of 307 exhibition booths.
