The Regional National Craft Council of Siak Regency is participating in the 2020 National Craft Council National Conference which carries the theme of the Positive Aspects of the Covid-19 Pandemic: Momentum to Accelerate the Digitalization of the Craft Market Towards Industry 4.0 ”, virtually.
Acting Regional Secretary of Siak Jamaludin Regency also appeared to be present to witness the National Conference with the Chairman of the Regional Committee of the District of Siak Rasidah Alfedri and members of the Bandar Room, Floor II of the Siak Regent’s Office.
Acting Regional Secretary for the District of Siak Jamaluddin, after attending the National Conference when interviewed, admitted that the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic had a very strong influence on the marketing of handicraft products both at the regional and national levels.
However, he is still optimistic that he can restore the economic condition of business actors or entrepreneurs and increase the marketing of local handicraft products, namely digitally. This means that all entrepreneurs or local product craftsmen are continuously given the education to innovate.
“We hope and remain optimistic that we can again increase sales or marketing of regional products through the internet,” he said.
The National Conference was officially opened by the Chairman of the National Craft Council, Hj. Wuri Ma’ruf Amin, in his remarks he welcomed the holding of the 2020 National Craft Council National Conference, he said that the theme raised by the National Conference was very contextual and relevant to current conditions. The Covid-19 pandemic is forcing everyone to change their previous habits.
“The current pandemic condition is very good momentum to make more optimal use of digital technology, we need to continue to encourage craftsmen to make digital innovations. By using digital technology, it is hoped that it can open wider opportunities in marketing our craft products,” he said.
Furthermore, the General Chairperson of the National Craft Council also invited all members of the National Craft Council and the regional National Craft Council to support government programs, namely the national movement through the Proud Campaign made in Indonesia.
“This campaign needs to be encouraged to create awareness, love, and pride until finally using products made in Indonesia,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Regional National Craft Council of Siak Regency, Rasidah Alfedri, said that the conclusion obtained at the 2020 National Craft Council National Conference is that the regional National Craft Council will accelerate the digitalization of the marketing of craftsman products.
“We have collaborated with the Siak Industrial Chamber of Commerce and one of the online shops for marketing so that later we hope that even during the Covid-19 pandemic, the turnover of craftsmen will not experience significant problems,” he said.
He said that during this pandemic, the organization he led was aggressively carrying out social services. For example, cooperating with business actors to make masks and distribute them to the public. Then the program of the Regional National Handicraft Council Sharing groceries for poor widows and the elderly.
“Some time ago, through the National Handicraft Regional Sharing Council program independently as well as assistance from our generous people, we went door to door around the village distributing groceries and masks for poor widows and the elderly,” Rasidah explained. (Adv)
