The National Handicraft Council (Dekranas) is currently facing a strategic challenge to elevate Indonesian handicraft products to an international level. This step is taken in response to the need for enhancing the competitiveness of local artisans in dealing with increasingly tight global market dynamics that demand high quality standards.
Dekranas board members have been asked to prioritize measurable development programs, ranging from technical assistance to strengthening the added value of products. The main focus of this guidance is aimed at ensuring that artisans do not merely rely on traditional values, but are also able to integrate design innovations relevant to global consumer tastes.
The development of a sustainable handicraft ecosystem is the key element in efforts to expand export market access. With proper guidance, products made by local artisans are believed to become leading commodities that represent cultural identity while delivering a tangible economic impact on the welfare of artisans across the country.
