Tri Tito Attends Dekranas 46th Anniversary Celebration in Makassar Wearing South Sulawesi Traditional Attire

Daily Chair of the National Crafts Council (Dekranas) Tri Tito Karnavian attended the 46th Dekranas Anniversary celebration at Trans Studio Mall (TSM) in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Friday (10/7/2026). At the event, themed ‘Sustainable Creations, Global Artisans’, Tri wore a baju bodo, the traditional attire of South Sulawesi. Over 3,000 participants, comprising administrators from Dekranas and regional Dekranasda chapters, attended the event, which was officially opened by Dekranas General Chairperson Selvi Gibran Rakabuming, who wore similar attire. In her speech, Selvi appreciated Makassar for hosting the peak celebration, noting the city’s strong appeal in terms of culture, tourism, and cuisine. She stressed the importance of shifting the organisation’s orientation, stating that success should no longer be measured by the number of activities held but by the tangible benefits felt by artisans. Selvi noted that Indonesia has significant potential to become a major player in the global craft industry, supported by its rich cultural heritage and abundant natural resources. She highlighted that raw material potential such as ceramics, natural fibres, stone, wood, and metals must be developed into value-added products with global competitiveness. However, she cautioned that the craft industry faces increasingly complex challenges, including international market competition, rapid technological advancements, and shifting consumer trends. She asserted that craft products must not only possess aesthetic value but also meet quality standards, be attractively packaged, produced sustainably, and uphold Indonesia’s cultural identity. Selvi concluded that Dekranas and Dekranasda must not merely be event organisers but must act as companions, mentors, and facilitators helping to open access to capital, design training, packaging, digitalisation, global marketing, financial management, and export licensing. After opening the event, Selvi Gibran and Tri Tito toured a craft and textile exhibition featuring stands from provincial, regency, and city Dekranasda chapters across Indonesia.