Bekasi Regency Empowers Women through Srikandi Kreatif Exhibition
The Bekasi Regency Government in West Java continues to empower women, notably through the exhibition of the Srikundri Kreatif Indonesia Association (Persikindo), held in conjunction with the 4th anniversary of the women’s organisation.
“This activity serves as a platform to promote flagship regional products, preserve culture, and simultaneously strengthen women’s empowerment and the development of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs),” said the Acting Head of the Bekasi Regency Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Office, Akam Muharam, in Cikarang on Friday.
He noted that the exhibition, held at the Museum Gedung Juang Tambun Selatan courtyard, holds strategic value. Beyond introducing local products more widely, it opens opportunities for collaboration and expands market access for business actors, particularly women.
“This exhibition is highly strategic for introducing, promoting, and developing various flagship regional products, the works of women, and the creative economy potential held by the community,” he added.
According to Muharam, women now play an increasingly significant role in economic development beyond the family environment. “Women are also business actors, innovators, and economic drivers capable of improving community welfare.”
Akam emphasised that the Bekasi Regency Government continues to encourage women’s empowerment through various programmes, including training, business mentoring, and the expansion of marketing networks. He expressed hope that the exhibition would serve as a collaborative space to enhance the competitiveness of products created by Indonesian women, specifically those from Bekasi Regency.
“Through the spirit of collaboration and mutual cooperation, we are optimistic about realising independent, competitive women who contribute to development towards Indonesia Emas 2045,” he stated.
He also expressed appreciation for the involvement of various parties in organising the event, including the Association of Women’s Organisations (GOW), Persikindo, regional agencies, MSME actors, and even Waste Banks, which showcased their works and innovations.
His office, alongside the Bekasi Regency GOW, will continue to provide guidance to women’s organisations, including through programmes to increase creativity and recycling management as part of strengthening the community economy.
The Chairperson of Persikindo DPC Bekasi Regency, Frida Tarek, stated that the exhibition was organised to showcase the cultural diversity living in Bekasi Regency while serving as a promotional space for MSMEs and the creative economy.
“In Bekasi Regency, there is not just one custom and culture. Various ethnicities, religions, and cultures live side by side. All have the potential to work together to build Bekasi Regency through the creative economy, culinary arts, and culture,” she said.
Frida noted that MSME actors, particularly those just starting their businesses, still require mentoring to grow and gain access to various government programmes. Many beginner businesses do not yet understand the procedures for obtaining facilitation or business development assistance.
“Our hope for the future is that beginner MSMEs can receive more intensive mentoring and opportunities to participate in exhibitions without being burdened by stall costs, so they can focus more on developing their businesses,” she concluded.