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| Gowa Crafts Steal the Spotlight at INACRAFT 2026 in Jakarta. |
Local crafts from Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi, are making waves on the national stage. Through the Regional National Crafts Council (Dekranasda Gowa), a range of signature handicrafts and traditional textiles—especially the iconic Cora’ La’ba silk—are being showcased at The 26th Jakarta International Handicraft Trade Fair (INACRAFT) 2026 at the Jakarta International Convention Center (JICC).
Speaking from Makassar, Andi Tenri Indah Darmawangsyah, Chairwoman of Dekranasda Gowa, said the event is a big deal for introducing Gowa’s local crafts to a wider audience. According to her, not every region gets the chance to join one of Southeast Asia’s largest handicraft exhibitions.
“This is a golden opportunity. We’re focusing only on our top products—local crafts and traditional textiles—so people can really get to know what makes Gowa special,” she explained.
At INACRAFT 2026, Gowa is highlighting a variety of handwoven and crafted products, including bags, knitted items, and other creative works made by local MSME artisans. Traditional pieces like Gowa sarongs and Bodo dresses are also on display, bringing strong cultural vibes to the exhibition floor.
Andi Tenri Indah described INACRAFT as more than just an exhibition. It’s a major platform to test market readiness and competitiveness.
“This event lets us show that Gowa’s products have quality, strong market appeal, and the ability to compete with crafts from other regions,” she said.
She also shared her pride in Dekranasda Gowa’s participation, noting that only selected regencies and cities from South Sulawesi were invited to take part in the international-scale event.
For Gowa’s artisans, INACRAFT 2026 isn’t just about showing products—it’s about opening doors. The exhibition helps local MSMEs build networks, gain exposure, and spot new trends by comparing their work with crafts from across Indonesia.
“Many of our crafts are unique to Gowa. Here, we can see how other regions innovate while confidently presenting what makes Gowa different,” she added.
INACRAFT 2026 carries the theme “Exploring and Celebrating Womenpreneurs in Craft”, highlighting the vital role of women in the creative economy. The annual event features participants from Dekranasda offices nationwide and MSMEs from across Indonesia, showcasing everything from batik and woven fabrics to handmade jewelry.
With this momentum, Dekranasda Gowa hopes its crafts and textiles will continue to grow, reach broader markets, and strengthen Gowa’s presence in Indonesia’s creative industry scene.