KONTAN.CO.ID – As the peak event for the 44th Anniversary (HUT) approaches, the Indonesian National Craft Council (Dekranas) is preparing for various activities. This celebration is scheduled to take place from May 15 to 18, 2024, in Solo, Central Java. In addition to a thanksgiving event attended by the Chair of Dekranas, Iriana Joko Widodo, Dekranas General Chair Wury Maruf Amin, and the leaders and management of Dekranas and Dekranasda from across Indonesia, there will be a series of diverse activities to celebrate and honor the creativity and efforts of Indonesia's MSMEs.
The Daily Chair of Dekranas, Tri Tito Karnavian, explained that the theme for the 44th anniversary of Dekranas is "Grow Together to Advance the Nation's Heritage,” which was inspired by the impact of Covid-19 on craftsmen.
“With the theme ‘Grow Together to Advance the Nation's Heritage,’ we hope Dekranas can help the government in improving the economy, especially from the national craft sector, which is a part of Indonesia's cultural heritage. Although modernization is widespread, we have programs that also help craftsmen preserve Indonesia's culture,” explained Tri Tito Karnavian at the Press Conference for the 44th Anniversary of Dekranas at the Ministry of Communication and Informatics (Kominfo) Press Room in Jakarta (May 8).
The celebration, to be held in Solo, was explained by the Head of the Organizing Committee for the 44th Anniversary of Dekranas, Loemongga Agus Gumiwang, as being accessible to the general public. There will be an exhibition/expo involving Dekranasda from various provinces, cities, and regencies.
“There will be an exhibition at the Pura Mangkunegaran area, which to date has recorded 257 booths. There will also be a cultural parade or procession on May 15, featuring decorated cars and a parade/convoy from thousands of PKK women,” explained Loemongga.
Another interesting event to follow will be a talk show with speakers who will share tips on running a business. There will also be performances by famous musicians such as Yovie & Nuno, Maliq & d’Essentials, and Giring Ganesha.
The Chair of the New Entrepreneurs Division of Dekranas, Endang Budi Karya, who is tasked with managing the Dekranas 2024 Craft and Culture Parade, mentioned that parade participants will compete for the First Lady's Trophy. The parade will feature hundreds of decorated cars traveling along a 2.3-kilometer route.
“The parade will be joined by 101 participants, who will compete. The best participant will receive a trophy from the First Lady, and the most popular participant will receive a trophy from the General Chair of Dekranas. One of the judging criteria is the ability to showcase crafts or cultural items that reflect the local wisdom of their respective regions,” explained Endang.
As for the talk show, one of the Members of the Competitiveness Division of Dekranas and also a skilled designer, Didiet Maulana, explained that there will be several well-known speakers who are activists in the craft business, such as Happy Salma and Ni Luh Djelantik.
“The talk show is not just a regular talk show; it's called Binas, or Bincang Dekranas. Selected MSMEs will share their experiences of rising from failure, branding, and there will also be presentations from several state-owned enterprises and ministries about incubation programs or assistance programs for entrepreneurs,” explained Didiet.
Through the 44th Anniversary Peak Event of Dekranas, Loemongga hopes that Solo residents and people from surrounding areas will join together to enjoy the presentation of cultural products. It will also serve as a networking platform for craftsmen and Dekranasda from one region to another.
“Perhaps there will be synergy in maintaining the various crafts we have. Indonesia is incredibly rich in crafts, and I hope this event can help foster enthusiasm for advancing, popularizing, and preserving our rich cultural heritage. I hope ideas will emerge from this event to further develop our cultural heritage,” hoped Loemongga.
The Directorate General of Public Information and Communication, Ministry of Kominfo, as the Government Public Relations and ex-officio Promotion and Public Relations Division of Dekranas, held the Press Conference for the 44th Anniversary Preparation of Dekranas as a form of support for Indonesian craftsmen. Also present at the press conference were Dekranas General Secretary Reni Yanita, Chair of the Dekranas Business Management Division Sri Suparni Bahlil, and Chair of the Dekranas Promotion and Public Relations Division Dina Budi Arie.
The hope is that the media colleagues will help amplify positive narratives about the Peak Event of the 44th Anniversary of Dekranas, in line with Dekranas' mission to continuously dedicate itself to gathering art enthusiasts and supporters, as well as always supporting and developing craft products.
