KONTAN.CO.ID – JAKARTA. The National Crafts Council (Dekranas) will hold the 2023 Kriyanusa Exhibition from September 13 to 17, 2023, at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC). This event aims to promote and encourage superior crafts as one of Indonesia’s valuable assets in facing global market challenges.

The Kriyanusa 2023 Exhibition will serve as a stage for skilled artisans from all over 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.

The Chairperson of the 2023 Kriyanusa Exhibition Committee, Sri Suparni Bahlil, stated that the event is a concrete effort by Dekranas to enhance the capacity of craft entrepreneurs, encouraging the creation and development of local craft products while preserving the cultural identity of all regions in Indonesia.

"This exhibition serves as a platform to support the marketing of products nurtured by Dekranasda and provides space for the Nusantara craft industry to continue fostering creativity and innovation to improve business performance and showcase their best products,” she said on Wednesday (13/9).

Sri mentioned that Kriyanusa 2023 highlights Betawi cultural icons to introduce and promote Betawi’s rich heritage to younger generations and the wider community.

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As part of efforts to promote cultural heritage and drive economic innovation, Dekranas emphasizes superior crafts as a key pillar in Indonesia’s progress.

Superior crafts, which include Indonesian handmade crafts and traditional arts, are becoming increasingly important in shaping national identity and playing a significant role in supporting the country’s creative economy.

Reni Yanita, Secretary General of Dekranas and Director General of Small, Medium, and Various Industries at the Ministry of Industry, stated that the government, artisans, academics, communities, media, and all craft enthusiasts must work together to develop superior crafts as invaluable economic and cultural resources.

Indonesian superior craft products attract global attention. Local artisans are highly skilled in blending tradition and innovation to create products that captivate international markets. With their creative touch, crafts such as batik, woven textiles, wickerwork, pottery, and carvings have drawn interest from consumers worldwide.

Reni mentioned that Kriyanusa is not only eagerly awaited by Indonesians but also by international audiences, as it showcases regional superior craft products made by skilled and competitive MSMEs.

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Meanwhile, Musa Widyatmojo, Chairman of the Kriyanusa Exhibition’s Daily Committee, explained that Dekranas is very strict in curating artisans. "All participants must showcase 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.

Kriyanusa 2023 will also feature various activities, including talk shows, craft demonstrations, fashion shows, and cultural performances from different regions, totaling 27 collaborative events with Dekranas, Dekranasda, ministries, agencies, and communities. The exhibition will also host the Dekranas Award program, recognizing creative entrepreneurs and artisans for their best works.

"A total of 377 product types have been submitted for the Dekranas Award, assessed and curated by professional and independent judges,” explained Liza Mustafa Abubakar, Chairperson of the Dekranas Award Committee.

Kriyanusa 2023 participants include artisans nurtured by Dekranas/Dekranasda from across Indonesia, as well as artisans supported by ministries, agencies, state-owned enterprises (BUMN), and culinary booths, filling a total of 307 exhibition booths.