Dekranas Chief Urges Artisans to Develop Sustainable Products
The Daily Chair of the National Crafts Council (Dekranas), Tri Tito Karnavian, has encouraged artisans and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to develop sustainable craft products. She believes innovation is essential to meet market demands that increasingly prioritise environmentally friendly aspects.
Tri conveyed this while attending an Entrepreneurship Mentoring and Regional Craft Product Development event for MSMEs in areas surrounding mines and upstream oil and gas at Hotel Claro Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Thursday (9/7).
“We know that currently there is a great deal of demand for crafts whose materials actually come from natural sources,” said Tri.
Tri affirmed that Dekranas is committed to supporting the development of sustainable crafts as part of efforts to maintain a balance between economic growth and environmental preservation. According to her, the increasing attention to environmental issues must also be addressed by craft business actors.
She explained that many craft products in Indonesia utilise raw materials sourced from nature. Therefore, the production process must also consider sustainability principles in order to meet market demands that increasingly favour eco-friendly products.
In addition to encouraging product development, Tri also reminded of the importance of strengthening the marketing of artisans’ works. She stated that besides improving product quality, coaching must also be able to open wider market access.
“The production made by artisans is meaningless if the marketing does not achieve what is desired,” she said.
Tri hopes that products resulting from the coaching can be showcased in various exhibitions, both at national and international levels. In particular, she also encouraged the promotion of South Sulawesi’s distinctive crafts so they become better known in the global market.
“Their products are not inferior in quality and uniqueness on the international stage,” said Tri.
On the same occasion, Tri Tito also expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), the South Sulawesi Provincial Government, the Makassar City Government, and partners who have supported the coaching and mentoring for artisans.
Tri Tito called for strengthened synergy to create quality, sustainable craft products capable of competing in the global market. She expressed hope that the activity could become a momentum to increase the capacity of artisans, as well as expand marketing opportunities for Indonesian craft products.