National Crafts Council stimulates regional economy: Minister

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian said the 46th anniversary celebration of the National Crafts Council (Dekranas) in Makassar City has benefited local governments by stimulating regional economic activity.

"More importantly, the event has revitalized something that cannot be measured in monetary terms, namely the tremendous potential of Indonesian crafts that we must preserve and continue to develop," he said in a written statement on Monday.

He made the remarks while attending the closing ceremony of the 46th Dekranas anniversary in Makassar on Sunday (July 12).

Karnavian expressed hope that Indonesia's rich craft heritage would help expand the country's presence in global markets, emphasizing that Indonesia's cultural diversity provides a unique competitive advantage over products from other countries.

Meanwhile, Chair of the 46th Dekranas Anniversary Organizing Committee, Sukarniaty Kondolele, said the event not only showcased the richness of Indonesia's regional cultures but also served as a platform to broaden market access for domestic craft products.

Held under the theme "Sustainable Craft Creation, Artisans Going Global," the event featured 203 exhibition booths representing provincial, district, and city-level Dekranas organizations.

Kondolele noted that the event also generated positive economic impacts for Makassar, benefiting the hospitality, transportation, culinary, tourism, and local souvenir sectors.

She added that the celebration also provided opportunities for collaboration among artisans, business players, and government institutions through workshops, talk shows, and cultural performances.

"The success of this event is the result of strong cooperation and synergy among all stakeholders, including the central and regional governments, the national Dekranas board, and Dekranas organizations from districts and cities across Indonesia," she said.

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Translator: Fianda, Kenzu

Editor: Primayanti

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