The winds of change in the regional crafts sector blew through Bengkalis this week as Siti Aisyah was officially appointed as the Head of the Dekranasda for the 2025-2030 period. The inauguration ceremony, held online from the residence of the Vice Regent of Bengkalis on Monday, March 24, 2025, marks a significant moment for local handicrafts and small-medium enterprises (SMEs) in the area.
The ceremony was presided over by Henny Sasmita, the Head of Dekranasda Riau Province, who emphasized the profound importance of collaboration among regions in the quest to elevate local craftsmanship and bolster SMEs across Riau. Alongside Aisyah, ten other heads from various regencies and cities across Riau were inaugurated, bringing forth a collective vision for enhancing regional crafts.
In her acceptance speech, Siti Aisyah expressed her commitment to advancing local products from Bengkalis, aiming for them to gain both national and international recognition. "We want our products to be better known, far beyond their current reach. Artisans should not just survive but evolve into competitive players in this industry," Aisyah stated, signifying her dedication to fostering sustainable growth in the local market.
Particularly notable at the event was the presence of local officials, including the Vice Regent of Bengkalis, Bagus Santoso. They showcased the strong support network surrounding the Dekranasda, underpinning the movement towards a more robust local economy. Aisyah highlighted that with necessary assistance from related departments, Dekranasda would harness local craftsmanship to capture a share of both national and international markets.
The new head asserted her vision for enhancing the capability of local entrepreneurs: "Dekranasda, with the help of related departments, will continuously strive to support the growth of SMEs, ensuring they develop and can compete effectively, contributing to our economy's strength and supporting our ambition for Bengkalis to shine as a prosperous and competitive region within Indonesia."0
During her address, Henny Sasmita commended the newly appointed leaders, reminding them of their vital role in empowering and building capacities for local entrepreneurs. She stated, "Congratulations on the mandate just given to you, may it be a motivation to build and empower SMEs in your respective regions."0 This encouragement speaks volumes about the collaborative spirit required to uplift local crafts and businesses.
As the new Dekranasda leaders step into their roles, Henny further urged them to engage actively with local entrepreneurs, providing the necessary education and guidance to ensure innovative and high-quality products emerge from their communities. "It is our collective duty to guarantee that entrepreneurs receive the attention, mentorship, and education they require for their products to compete in the global market," she emphasized.
This transition in leadership at Dekranasda presents an exciting opportunity for the local crafts sector. As these new leaders embark on their tenure, stakeholders and local entrepreneurs alike will be closely monitoring their efforts to drive the revitalization of regional crafts in Bengkalis and beyond.
With local products positioned to gain greater exposure and foster economic growth, all eyes are on Siti Aisyah and her team. The success of their initiatives could very well redefine the landscape of local craftsmanship, transforming it into a formidable asset for Bengkalis.
