Speaking during a visit to the IKM Bali Bangkit Exhibition at the Taman Budaya Art Center, Kartasasmita noted that Bali currently has four IKM hubs, including a silver craft center in Gianyar and a bamboo products hub in Bangli.
“We have established many IKM hubs across Indonesia. I understand Bali has four. I hope Governor I Wayan Koster can begin preparing for additional hubs,” he said.
The minister said small industry players need greater support, particularly in access to financing, market reach, and modernisation of equipment.
“These may seem like recurring issues, but they remain unresolved. We must continue seeking effective solutions,” Kartasasmita said.
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Improving production efficiency and product quality, he added, is essential to the growth of the IKM sector, which plays a vital role in Indonesia’s economy.
During his tour of the Bali Bangkit exhibition, which features a wide range of local crafts, Kartasasmita purchased several items including paintings, jewellery, endek fabric and other handmade products.
He praised the local government’s efforts to promote curated, high-quality goods and said such initiatives can help raise the profile of Balinese products while contributing to broader economic development.
The minister and his wife also bought a yellow endek cloth and several pieces of jewellery and handicrafts as birthday gifts during the visit.
“The design should be striking, red or yellow, would be great. My wife picked out the jewellery,” he said.
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Translator: Muliantari, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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