The role of craft art as one of the steps to empower the community by utilizing traditional crafts. So that it can become a strategic mainstay sector, especially in terms of contributing to the country’s foreign exchange earnings. Craft products complement and enrich tourism activities. So that the craft has a place in society. Encouraging efforts to improve the quality of craft works, both as supporting tourism businesses and as export commodity products. This will encourage the creation of more creative craft products.
UNESCO Award
Several handicrafts belonging to Indonesia have received recognition from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) which are included in the category of Humanitarian Heritage for Oral and Intangible Culture, including:
Shadow Puppets
Recognized by UNESCO on November 7, 2003. Wayang kulit is a puppet or performing arts that considered complex with traditional musical styles. For ten centuries wayang kulit developed in Indonesia and became one of the media to convey humanitarian messages or government criticism. Has a variety of sizes and can only be played by a puppeteer.
Keris
Recognized by UNESCO on November 25, 2005. Keris is a unique weapon or dagger. Keris is also considered a spiritual object that stores a lot of energy, for those who believe. Usually, the keris is only made by an empu (blacksmith) who is respected and has knowledge of history, literature, and spiritual knowledge.
Batik
Established by UNESCO on October 2, 2009. Batik has become a craft art that has always been used for generations. Even in batik lies the cultural identity of the Indonesian people. Many symbols of colors and patterns are stored on batik cloth. Batik cloth is also used in several traditional moments in Indonesia.
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