
by DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Feb 5: Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah led a delegation of ten to the Jakarta International Handicraft Trade Fair (INACRAFT 2025) to strengthen bilateral ties between Sarawak and Indonesia in the field of arts and crafts.
This renowned event, held from Feb 5 to 9, 2025, is widely regarded as one of Southeast Asia’s largest and most successful craft exhibitions.
The primary objective of the visit was to study Indonesia’s thriving handicraft sector and understand the mechanisms that contribute to its success.

The Sarawak delegation explored how Indonesian authorities and craft organisations provide technical training, market access, and financial support to artisans, ensuring the sustainability and competitiveness of the industry in the global marketplace.
Furthermore, the delegation examined how Indonesia effectively integrates heritage and contemporary design to appeal to both local and international markets.
By visiting key exhibition booths and engaging with Indonesian artisans, the Sarawak representatives gained firsthand knowledge of innovative production techniques, sustainable material sourcing, and branding strategies. These insights will be valuable in enhancing Sarawak’s craft industry, particularly in positioning its traditional crafts within the creative industry.
Beyond observing best practices, the visit also aimed to strengthen bilateral ties between Sarawak and Indonesia in the field of arts and crafts.

The delegation held discussions with key Indonesian organisations, including the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce, the Association of Exporters and Producers of Indonesian Handicraft, and craft councils from Yogyakarta, Bali, and Kalimantan.
These engagements explored potential collaborations, including artist exchanges, joint exhibitions and cross-border market access.
The delegation also took note of the effective role played by Indonesia’s tourism sector in promoting crafts as part of heritage tourism which Sarawak could emulate to further develop the creative industry.
During the trip, Abdul Karim was accompanied by Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak Datuk Snowdan Lawan, as well as Sarawak Craft Council manager Suriya Charles. – DayakDaily