NOT WHERE
ASEPHI is a forum for Indonesian handicraft producers and exporters or what is known as the Indonesian Handicraft Exporters and Producers Association. The association, which was founded on April 5 1975, continues to grow and progress with the annual INACRAFT (The Jakarta International Handicraft Trade Fair) event among handicraft craftsmen and crafts observers.
ASEPHI was founded with the aim of accommodating the hopes and aspirations of craftsmen, handicraft entrepreneurs and encouraging the spirit of independence to become strong professional entrepreneurs while supporting the success of national economic development programs.
Inacraft
Inacraft was born from simple but noble thoughts, improving the welfare of craftsmen and entrepreneurs in the craft sector in Indonesia . A number of important names are members of the Indonesian Handicraft Exporters and Producers Association (ASEPHI), such as the late Rudy Lengkong, the late H. Sjahroel Sjamsoedin, the late Sukartono, Thamrin Bustami, Bramantyo W. and Hariman T. Zagloel were the initiators who gave birth to INACRAFT.
The beginning of Inacraft
Inacraft started from the lack of welfare of craft workers. Based on a survey conducted by Mr. Drs H. Sjahroel Syamsudin when he served as the Indonesian National Consultant for the ITC (International Trade Center) in Geneva and published in the International Trade Center, Geneva, Switzerland in 2001, the wage for the lowest workers in the crafts sector was only 1 dollar US per day (at that time, the exchange rate was 1 US dollar = IDR 9,000).
A reality that is difficult for common sense to accept for a country that has been independent since 1945. In fact, if it is managed properly and correctly, of course their level of welfare can be even better and they can live a decent life.
We hold international exhibitions!
In response to this, the idea of holding an international craft exhibition is getting bigger. The ASEPHI board of directors made up their minds that Indonesia must have international standard craft exhibition activities so that the welfare of actors in the craft sector increases. These figures have the same view, Indonesia, with its rich culture, has enormous potential in the field of crafts, but only the tip of the iceberg can be optimized. The level of welfare in this sector is still very worrying.
Barriers to growth
Starting something sometimes doesn't go as smoothly as expected. In fact, it is not uncommon for it to be accompanied by 'bloody' acts full of sacrifice. That's what the initiators of The Jakarta International Handicraft Trade Fair (INACRAFT) felt when it was first held in April 1999. The difficult times are just a story. Now, INACRAFT has been transformed into an exhibition that is not only prestigious, but also indirectly moves the Indonesian economy!
Inacraft's real contribution to craftsmen
From time to time, INACRAFT has become one of the favorites for craftsmen or craft entrepreneurs, and is even awaited by international buyers or handicraft enthusiasts. This exhibition had an impact on increasing the value of Indonesian handicraft exports. On the other hand, Indonesian crafts have proven to be one of the prime non-oil and gas commodities that are resilient. This was proven when the economic crisis hit, the craftsmen did not necessarily go out of business. On the contrary, even though it is small, state income from this sector is considered very good. Until finally the craft industry has now become one of the pillars of the national economy in this country.