46th Dekranas Anniversary Series Concludes with Festive Closing in Makassar

The closing of the 46th anniversary celebration of the National Crafts Council (Dekranas) was held festively at the Trans Studio Mall Makassar Atrium, South Sulawesi, on Sunday (12/7/2026). The event was officially marked by the simultaneous beating of the traditional jalappa musical instrument by Daily Chair of Dekranas Tri Tito Karnavian, Minister of Home Affairs Muhammad Tito Karnavian, South Sulawesi Governor Andi Sudirman Sulaiman, and other regional officials. In his speech, Minister Tito Karnavian expressed high appreciation for the success of the national-scale event in Makassar, noting that it was highly beneficial for the local government as it successfully stimulated the local economy. He emphasised that beyond the economic impact, the event revived the invaluable potential of Indonesian crafts that must be preserved and developed. He expressed hope that this significant potential could become a driving force for various Nusantara craft products to penetrate the global market, with Indonesia’s cultural richness and diversity serving as a distinct advantage over products from other countries. Echoing this sentiment, the Chair of the 46th Dekranas Anniversary Committee, Sukarniaty Kondolele, explained that the event was not merely a representation of regional cultural wealth. Carrying the theme ‘Sustainable Creation, Global Artisans’, the agenda successfully served as a space to expand the market for Indonesian craft products by involving 203 stands from provincial to district/city level Dekranasda chapters. Sukarniaty revealed that the exhibition also provided a multiplier effect for the economy in Makassar, with significant economic activity felt in the hospitality, transportation, culinary, tourism, and local souvenir sectors. The event also facilitated a collaborative space for artisans, business actors, and the government through workshops, talk shows, and cultural performances. Following the closing ceremony, Tri Tito Karnavian and her entourage visited several craft exhibition stands, enthusiastically engaging in dialogue with artisans while enjoying the diversity of artworks from various regions.