The Ministry of Industry (Kemenperin), through the Directorate General of Small, Medium and Miscellaneous Industries (IKMA), continues to promote and raise awareness of the potential of Indonesian crafts and wastra. One such effort is cooperation with the National Crafts Council (Dekranas) to hold the Asta Karya Nusa Exhibition, officially opened today, Monday (17/10), in Jakarta.
The exhibition is based on the fact that Indonesia is rich in culture and has produced many cultural heritage products, including crafts and wastra, each with its own variety and philosophical values. Crafts and wastra reflect the manual skill, aesthetic sense, imagination, tradition and creativity of Indonesians, and play an important role in maintaining a connection with local cultural roots in a world that is increasingly dynamic as science and technology advance.
“In line with the direction of Mrs. Iriana Joko Widodo as Patron and Mrs. Wury Ma’ruf Amin as General Chair of the National Crafts Council, it is important for all of us to preserve and appreciate crafts and wastra, and to support the artisans who have devoted their time and energy to creating beautiful works of art,” said the Executive Chair of the National Crafts Council, Tri Tito Karnavian, at the opening of the Asta Karya Nusa exhibition.
She continued that one step taken is providing space for expression and promotion in the form of today's exhibition of leading Indonesian craft and wastra products. The Asta Karya Nusa Exhibition is organized by Dekranas and the Ministry of Industry, as Ex-Officio for Dekranas' Competitiveness Division, with the theme “Excellent Crafts, Advanced Indonesia”, aiming to develop the potential of Indonesian craft and wastra products so they become more excellent and competitive.
The exhibition is expected to be a platform for Indonesian craft and wastra artisans to showcase their work, creativity and dedication to creating high-quality products, and an opportunity to build networks, collaborate and exchange insights and experiences. “One way to support the development and preservation of Indonesian craft and wastra products is to buy and use them on various occasions. Let us be proud to use products made by the Indonesian nation,” the Executive Chair of Dekranas said.
Tri said the Patron and the General Chair have always firmly stated Dekranas' commitment to keep supporting the development of the craft and wastra industry in Indonesia through active cooperation and synergistic collaboration. “Collaboration and synergy with stakeholders such as central and regional government, relevant ministries, agencies and institutions, academics, craft and wastra observers, artisan communities, the media and all related parties are carried out to create a conducive environment that supports the development of the craft and wastra industry,” she explained.
The First Deputy Executive Chair of Dekranas, Loemongga Agus Gumiwang, said the Asta Karya Nusa Exhibition is not only a platform to showcase craft and wastra products but also a means to understand the meaning and values they contain. “We urge all exhibitors to make the most of this opportunity to gain as much knowledge and opportunity as possible,” she added.
The Director General of Small, Medium and Miscellaneous Industries (IKMA) at Kemenperin, Reni Yanita, as Secretary General of the National Crafts Council, reported that the Asta Karya Nusa Exhibition is held on 17–20 October 2023 at the Industry Exhibition Plaza, Ministry of Industry Building, Jalan Gatot Subroto 52-53, South Jakarta, with 40 small and medium industries (SMIs) taking part: 20 craft SMIs and 20 wastra SMIs fostered by Kemenperin, Dekranas and Dekranasda.
Today's opening was attended by Dekranas and Regional Dekranas officials, Ministry of Industry officials, the Advanced Indonesia Cabinet Solidarity Action Organization (OASE-KIM), craft associations, exhibiting SMIs and other invited guests. The opening was enlivened by a performance from singer Rossa and a fashion show by designers partnered with Kemenperin and Dekranas, including Ria Miranda, Priyo Oktaviano, Purana and Kami.
“Besides the exhibition, Asta Karya Nusa also features a series of activities, including a talk show on “Identifying Global Market Opportunities in Online Business” by the Indonesian Furniture and Craft Industry Association (HIMKI), a workshop on “Promotion Strategies through Digital Content” by Bramantya Eka, a wooden watch-making workshop by Eboni Watch, a workshop on processing wood fiber into exclusive fashion accessories by Studio Seratan, music performances, food stalls and attractive door prizes for visitors,” the Director General of IKMA concluded.
Source: Press Release of the Ministry of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia