Tri Tito Karnavian Encourages MSMEs to Develop Sustainable Craft Products
Tri Tito Karnavian, Executive Chair of the National Craft Council (Dekranas), has encouraged craft makers and micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) players to develop sustainable craft products. Such innovation is considered essential to meet the needs of a market that increasingly prioritises environmental friendliness.
“We know that there is now a great deal of demand for crafts whose materials are actually already sourced from nature,” Tri said in a statement on Friday (10/7/2026).
He made the remarks while attending an event on Entrepreneurship Mentoring and the Development of Distinctive Regional Craft Products for MSMEs in Areas Surrounding Mines and Upstream Oil and Gas, held at the Claro Hotel in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Thursday (9/7/2026).
Tri explained that Dekranas also supports the development of sustainable crafts as part of efforts to maintain a balance between economic growth and environmental preservation. According to him, the growing attention to environmental issues also needs to be responded to by craft business players.
He added that many craft products in Indonesia utilise raw materials derived from nature. For this reason, the production process must also adhere to sustainability principles so that it can meet the demands of a market that increasingly prioritises eco-friendly products.
On this occasion, Tri also emphasised the importance of strengthening the marketing of artisans’ work. According to him, mentoring should not focus solely on improving product quality, but must also be able to open up broader market access.
“Production by artisans means nothing if its marketing does not reach the desired targets,” he explained.
Therefore, he hopes that products resulting from mentoring programmes can be showcased at various exhibitions, both at national and international levels. In particular, he also encouraged the promotion of crafts distinctive to South Sulawesi Province so that they become better known in the world market.
“Their products are second to none in terms of quality and uniqueness on the international stage,” he said.
Tri 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 mentoring and guidance for artisans.
He hopes that this synergy will continue to be strengthened to create craft products that are of high quality, sustainable, and able to compete in the global market. The event is also expected to serve as momentum to enhance artisans’ capacity whilst expanding market opportunities for Indonesian craft products.
Also present at the event were Deputy Executive Chair II of Dekranas Sri Suparni Bahlil, Chair of the South Sulawesi Provincial Dekranasda Naomi Octarina, Head of the New Entrepreneurship Division Metty Herindra, and other relevant parties.