MataBangka.com – This year, the Bangka Belitung Islands Province (Babel) is presenting four stands as part of its participation in the Kriyanusa 2023 National Craft Exhibition, themed “Superior Craft, Advanced Indonesia,” held from September 13 to 17, 2023, at the Plenary Jakarta Convention Center.

The four craft stands from Babel include South Bangka Regency (Basel) featuring crafts such as lamps made from PVC pipes and woven products, Central Bangka Regency (Bateng) showcasing ecoprint crafts, Belitung Regency presenting batik and stone crafts, and a provincial stand displaying various crafts from Babel, including woven products from West Bangka Regency (Babar), Kampung Katak Batik from Pangkalpinang, cual fabrics, woven textiles, and resam handbags.

The Acting Chairperson of Babel Dekranasda, Maya Suganda Pasaribu, attended the event wearing a traditional outfit from Babel, namely Cual Batik with a modified Pelawan Bee motif, paired with a red Malay kurung blouse.

She hopes that Babel’s crafts will continue to evolve, particularly in developing more varied cual batik motifs, making them suitable for both formal and casual occasions.

“Pricing strategies should also be considered, offering options from premium prices to more affordable ones so that a wider audience can purchase them. Artisans should also exchange information and share experiences on marketing and product development,” said Maya Suganda.

Opened by First Lady Iriana Joko Widodo

The event was officially opened by First Lady Iriana Joko Widodo, marked by the beating of the tambourine, accompanied by the Chairperson of Dekranas and Indonesia’s First Lady of Handicrafts, Wury Ma’ruf Amin.

In her speech, Dekranas Chairperson Wury Ma’ruf Amin encouraged artisans to continue developing their skills and craftsmanship to enhance their quality.

“Artisans should keep improving their skills and quality by attending training programs or participating in exhibitions,” she stated.

The Kriyanusa 2023 event, initiated by DEKRANAS, also featured various opening activities, including a fashion show, creative dance performances, a choir, and the presentation of the Dekranas Award 2023. (***)