North Sumatra Handicrafts Council Sets Five Priorities for 2027

MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - The Regional National Handicrafts Council of North Sumatra Province (Dekranasda Sumut) has prepared five priority programmes for 2027 to raise the profile of local handicrafts, expand market access and strengthen the competitiveness of the province's craft products. The initiative aims to give North Sumatra's outstanding handicrafts greater recognition and create opportunities to reach wider regional, national and international markets.

The five programmes cover stronger promotional activities, organisational development, exhibitions, business guidance and mentoring, as well as training for handicraft producers. Through these initiatives, Dekranasda North Sumatra aims to support the development of the regional craft industry in a more structured way while improving artisans' capabilities to meet the demands of an increasingly competitive market.

The priorities were presented by Titiek Sugiharti, Deputy Chairwoman of Dekranasda North Sumatra, during the council's 2026 working meeting. The meeting took place at the Raja Inal Siregar Hall, Jalan Diponegoro No. 30, Medan, on Thursday, 5 November 2026.

"We want products from North Sumatra to reach wider markets and become more competitive. Therefore, alongside promotion, we also need to strengthen our organisation and improve our management capabilities," Titiek said.

Expanding Markets and Strengthening Management

Titiek explained that stronger promotional activities would play an important role in introducing distinctive North Sumatran handicrafts to a broader consumer base. However, expanding market reach requires more than marketing activities alone. Dekranasda must also strengthen its organisational capacity and improve management standards to implement its programmes more effectively.

She said stronger management would provide an essential foundation for an organisation capable of supporting the sustainable growth of the regional handicraft industry. Improved organisational management is expected to ensure that North Sumatra's leading craft products receive more effective development support and promotional opportunities.

Exhibitions will also serve as an important platform for connecting regional handicraft producers with potential buyers, business partners and industry representatives from different areas. Such events are expected to create new marketing opportunities while helping artisans expand their business networks.

Regional Collaboration to Drive Growth

Titiek also highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation between Dekranasda at provincial level and its counterparts across the regencies and cities of North Sumatra. She said open and consistent communication would improve coordination, speed up problem-solving and support the joint implementation of future programmes.

"I hope our communication will continue to improve so that our collaboration becomes stronger. This will make it easier for us to introduce North Sumatra's handicraft products," Titiek said.

The collaboration is also intended to ensure that each region can develop and showcase handicrafts that reflect its own distinctive characteristics and strengths. Stronger coordination would enable artisans from different regencies and cities to participate in joint promotional activities and larger-scale exhibitions.

Training and Support for Artisans

Meanwhile, Dedi Jaminsyah Putra, Acting Chairman of Dekranasda North Sumatra, urged the council's organisations across the regencies and cities to communicate promptly whenever they encountered difficulties. This was particularly important during preparations for, and the implementation of, various activities and exhibitions in which they participated.

"This is the Chairwoman's message. Any difficulties encountered before or during an event should therefore be resolved together as soon as possible," Dedi said.

Dedi expressed hope that prompt and open communication would help all Dekranasda organisations overcome obstacles without delay. This was particularly important when participating in exhibitions and promotional events for handicraft products. Such support would help ensure that activities ran smoothly and delivered tangible benefits for artisans.

Alongside promotion and exhibitions, guidance, mentoring and training will form important parts of the five priority programmes for 2027. These initiatives are expected to improve artisans' skills, product quality, business management capabilities and readiness to meet market demands.

The working meeting was also attended by Yuliani Siregar, Head of the North Sumatra Office of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises, several heads of relevant regional government agencies, and representatives and members of Dekranasda North Sumatra and its counterparts across the province's regencies and cities.

Through these five priority programmes, Dekranasda North Sumatra aims to make the development of the regional handicraft industry more structured and sustainable. Stronger organisational capacity, cooperation between regions and improved artisan skills are expected to play a vital role in expanding market access and enhancing the competitiveness of North Sumatran handicrafts. (IDNC)

REPORTER: Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR: Fik Sagala