Handicraft festival in Cibinong

BOGOR, West Java (JP): A handicraft festival, sponsored by the Bogor administration's handicraft council, is to be held in Cibinong, some 30 km east of the city, from May 7 to May 11.

Artisans from 33 subdistricts, state-owned companies and private-sector firms are expected to take part in the five-day event.

It will feature a variety of programs including a handicraft exhibition, a one-day seminar on handicrafts, a seminar on women's role in the era of globalization, a cultural dialog and donations to 200 orphans and teachers.

The event will serve as a forum for craftsmen and purchasers or businessmen intending to market their handicraft products, according to spokesman for the organizing committee Oscar Saragih.

"For so long there have been many handicraft products but there has been no one to market them. On the other hand there have been many prospective buyers who do know where to buy such products," Oscar said.

He pointed out that Bogor has a big potential in producing various handicrafts both in terms of product diversification and a rich supply of raw materials.

Included among the handicrafts produced by Bogor craftsmen are shoes, leather bags, decorative stones and articles made of cans.

"Even our shoes have gained an international reputation. I once went to Germany and found Bogor-made shoes sold in a shop in Berlin," Oscar said. On the label it read: Made in Ciomas, Indonesia. Ciomas is a subdistrict in the Bogor regency well known for its shoe production.(21/bas).