INDUSTRY.co.id – The National Crafts Council (DEKRANAS) is once again holding the Kriyanusa 2023 Exhibition, with the theme \"Superior Crafts, Advanced Indonesia,\" taking place from September 13 to 17, 2023, at the Jakarta Convention Center.

This event is organized to promote and encourage superior crafts as one of Indonesia's most valuable assets in facing global market challenges. The exhibition serves as a platform for artisans from across the country to showcase their creative works.

The Chairperson of the Kriyanusa 2023 Exhibition Committee, Sri Suparni Bahlil, stated that this exhibition is a tangible effort by Dekranas to develop the capacity of craft entrepreneurs.

\"This exhibition serves as a platform to support the marketing of products fostered by Dekranasda and provides space for the Nusantara craft industry to continue fostering creativity and innovation,\" she explained.

In an era of advancing technology, Indonesia continues to maintain its appeal through crafts, which serve as both a national identity and a driver of the 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 speech at the Kriyanusa 2023 opening ceremony.

Local artisans have gained global recognition for their extraordinary creativity in blending tradition and innovation, producing crafts such as batik, wastra, weaving, pottery, and carvings that attract worldwide consumers.

\"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,\" stated Reni Yanita, Secretary General of Dekranas and Director General of Small, Medium, and Various Industries at the Ministry of Industry.

The exhibition also presents investment opportunities to support artisans in competing in global markets. This year, Kriyanusa highlights Betawi cultural heritage as its main theme.

\"This opportunity is a joint effort to introduce and promote Betawi cultural wealth to the younger generation and the wider community,\" said Sri Suparni Bahlil. \"It is also a chance to raise awareness of the importance of preserving Indonesia’s cultural heritage,\" she added.

Meanwhile, Musa Widyatmojo, Chair of the Kriyanusa Exhibition Organizing Committee, explained that Dekranas strictly curates the participating artisans.

\"All participants must showcase handmade crafts, not machine-made or mass-produced items. Dekranas also ensures a strict focus on Indonesian crafts that use local raw materials,\" he added.

The Kriyanusa 2023 Exhibition will also feature various events, including talk shows, craft demonstrations, fashion shows, and cultural performances from different regions, with a total of 27 collaborative programs involving Dekranas, Dekranasda, ministries, agencies, and communities.

The exhibition is further enlivened by the Dekranas Award program, which recognizes creative entrepreneurs and artisans with Indonesia's best crafts and designs.

\"A total of 377 products have been submitted to the Dekranas Award committee, evaluated and curated by professional and independent judges,\" said Liza Mustafa Abubakar, Chairperson of the Dekranas Award Committee.

Visitors can also enjoy Betawi specialties and a variety of regional delicacies available in the exhibition area.

The Kriyanusa 2023 event, organized by Dekranas, is attended by participants from various regions, including artisans fostered by Dekranas/Dekranasda from across Indonesia, as well as artisans supported by ministries, agencies, and state-owned enterprises, occupying a total of 307 booths.