"Hopefully, the inauguration of the office will bring about progress to craftsmen and crafts in Southwest Papua," Amin, who is chairperson of the National Crafts Council (Dekranas), said.
After the inauguration ceremony, the Second Lady, with members of the Onward Indonesian Cabinet Era Solidarity Action Organization (OASE KIM), inspected the office.
In the office premises, the Dekranasda of Southwest Papua displayed several crafts produced not only by micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from Sorong city, but also from Sorong, South Sorong, Tambrau, Maybrat, and Raja Ampat districts.
The products included woven bags, head covers, knitted bags, carved fronds, and crowns made of banana fronds.
The office also showcased a variety of food and drink products, such as shredded skipjack tuna, taro chips, coffee, and ginger tea.
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On the occasion, the Second Lady extended her appreciation to woven artists for their contribution to the preservation of Southwest Papua's culture.
"I hope that this Office of Dekranasda will facilitate your activities so you can elevate the products of Southwest Papua province," she told the artists.
Mince Humbles, one of the weavers, said that she had been producing local-styled woven fabrics for a long time.
"I have been weaving to preserve this culture for 34 years," the resident of Maybrat district added.
Meanwhile, acting chairperson of Southwest Papua Dekranasda, Andar Aryani, lauded Vice President Ma'ruf Amin for his efforts to accelerate development in Papua.
She said that the management of the regional council was formed on the basis of the Decree of the Chairperson of Dekranas on April 5, 2023.
"After gaining the approval, we participated in various activities of Dekranas, including the ceremony of the 43rd anniversary of the national council in Medan city and the Indonesian Traditional Fabrics and Handicrafts Exhibition on May 10–14, 2023," she added.
She said the council also participated in the 2023 Kriya Nusa Exhibition in September.
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Translator: Andi F, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
Copyright © ANTARA 2023
