Dekranas hopes craft artisans become more competitive and prosperous
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Chairperson of the National Crafts Council (Dekranas), Selvi Gibran Rakabuming, is encouraging artisans, particularly those in the craft sector, to not only be skilled in their craft but also to become increasingly competitive and prosperous.
“Preserving culture does not mean we remain stuck in the past. Tradition is the root of our identity. However, innovation, creativity, and digital transformation must serve as the wings to fly high onto the global stage. We want our artisans to be not only skilled in their work but also increasingly competitive and prosperous,” said Selvi during her opening remarks at the Kriyanusa 2026 exhibition in Jakarta on Saturday.
In this regard, the Kriyanusa exhibition is expected to open new opportunities and collaborations, enhance the competitiveness of MSMEs, and bring Indonesian craftwork greater recognition on the world stage.
Through the holding of Kriyanusa, Selvi hopes that more Indonesian artisans will have the opportunity to introduce their best works, expand marketing networks, and increase competitiveness in both national and international markets.
“Of course, more than just an exhibition venue, Kriyanube is expected to become a platform to preserve cultural heritage, encourage the birth of innovation and creativity, and simultaneously foster public love and pride for Indonesian craft products,” Selvi stated.
The National Crafts Council (Dekranas) is organising the Kriyanusa 2026 craft exhibition, taking place from 26–30 September 2026 at the Jakarta Convention Centre (JCC), Jakarta. The event features 410 booths with 257 participants from various sectors, including the National Crafts Council (Dekranas), Regional National Crafts Councils (Dekranasda), ministries, agencies, and various community groups, including Indonesian MSME entrepreneurs.
Selvi noted that the exhibition showcases Indonesian craftworks from various regions, reflecting the nation’s extraordinary cultural diversity.
She assessed that the Kriyanusa exhibition serves as a tangible meeting point between ancestral traditions, contemporary innovation, and broader market access.
Selvi also called for the continued promotion of the movement to love local products and take pride in Indonesian-made goods. Every time we purchase a local craft, Selvi continued, we are not merely buying an object, but also participating in preserving our ancestral heritage, reviving traditions, and driving the economic wheels of families and regions.
“Let us work together to continue fostering a love for domestic products and supporting the progress of our nation’s works. Provide real support by buying and using locally made products, while simultaneously supporting the business sustainability of all our artisans,” Selvi concluded.