A Delegation from Sarawak, headed by Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, is presently in Jakarta, Indonesia, to research the flourishing handicraft industry in the neighbouring nation and comprehend the factors that make it successful.

A press release states that the ten-member delegation, which also includes Sarawak Craft Council manager Suriya Charles Buas and Deputy Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan, will be attending the renowned Jakarta International Handicraft Trade Fair (Inacraft 2025), which will take place at the Jakarta Convention Centre from yesterday to February 9.

Many people consider the five-day trade show, which honours creativity and tradition, to be among the biggest and most prosperous craft shows in Southeast Asia. 

The Sarawak delegation is seeking information on how Indonesian authorities and craft organizations give artisans technical training, market access, and financial support to ensure the industry's sustainability and competitiveness in the global marketplace. This is because Indonesia has established itself as a global leader in traditional crafts, with a well-developed ecosystem that supports artisans through government policies, funding, and industry associations.

They also look at how Indonesia successfully combines modern design with tradition to appeal to both domestic and foreign consumers.

By touring important exposition booths and interacting with Indonesian artisans, the Sarawak representatives will gain firsthand information about cutting-edge production methods, sustainable material sourcing, and branding strategies. Sarawak's craft business will greatly benefit from these ideas, especially in terms of showcasing its traditional crafts in the creative industry.

The tour intends to enhance bilateral ties between Sarawak and Indonesia in the arts and crafts sector in addition to examining best practices.

During the visit, Abdul Karim and his group also engaged in talks with provincial craft councils from Yogyakarta, Bali, and Kalimantan, as well as the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and the Association of Exporters and Producers of Indonesian Handicraft.

These discussions looked at possible partnerships, such as cross-border market access, artist exchanges, and collaborative exhibitions.

The delegation also observed how well Indonesia's tourism industry promoted crafts as a component of historical tourism, something Sarawak could do to advance the creative sector.