Inaugurating KURMA Fair 2025, Menbud Encourages MSME Growth For Cultural-Based Products

Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Fadli Zon (Doc. Kemenbud)

JAKARTA - Continuing a working visit in the Riau Islands, Minister of Culture (Menbud), Fadli Zon together with the Governor of the Riau Islands visited the Riau Islands Traditional Institute (LAM) Building and the Regional National Crafts Council (Dekranasda) Riau Islands Province, and then continued by attending the Opening of the 2025 Riau Islands Ramadan Fair (KURMA Fair).

Arriving at the Inderah Sakti Indigenous Center, the Malay Traditional Institute (LAM) of Riau Islands Province, a number of traditional ceremonies welcomed the arrival of the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Fadli Zon, one of which was the Tepung Tepung Tawar ceremony which marked a tribute to the Minister of Culture. This opportunity became a gathering between traditional leaders from LAM and the Minister of Culture. The Minister of Culture also visited the Regional National Crafts Council Building (Dekranasda) of the Riau Islands Province. On that occasion, the Minister of Culture visited a number of spaces that explained starting from the design, prototype, and the results of handicraft products that had been completed.

The Minister of Culture expressed his hope that in the future Dekranasda can meet the needs of the community, especially through its products, ranging from culinary, fashion, to various kinds of daily needs, to household interiors, and so on.

The quality is well measured. The quality control is good, hopefully it can continue to grow and can be consumed by the wider community in Indonesia, not only in the Riau Islands, of course we have also exported it to several neighboring countries. I think this needs to be maintained and continues to be developed. Congratulations to the Riau Islands Dekranasda," said the Minister of Culture in an official statement received by VOI.

After the visit to Dekranasda, along with the Governor of the Riau Islands, Menbud to Tugu Sirih Field, Tanjungpinang, in order to officially open the Riau Islands Ramadhan Fair (KURMA Fair) 2025. KURMA Fair is an activity initiated by the Bank Indonesia Representative Office (BI) of Riau Islands Province in the framework of developing sharia economy and finance. KURMA Fair 2025 will be held in two cities, namely in Tanjung pinang starting from 10-16 March 2025 and Batam City on 17-23 March 2025.

"KURMA's activities are an effort to strengthen the halal ecosystem. We will encourage already running halal programs, including the acceleration of halal product certification and the development of the Halal Center, small money exchange and the sharia creative industry," said Head of KPw BI Riau Islands, Rony Widijarto.

The Governor of the Riau Islands in his speech conveyed his commitment to synergize with the Ministry of Culture in organizing cultural festivals in the Riau Islands.

"Government is not only something that is preserved, but also has economic value," he explained.

The event then continued with a speech from the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia. In his remarks, the Minister of Education fully initiated the initiatives of all parties who organized this festival. Ramadan in the history of the archipelago reflects the economic independence of the people. According to him, this festival describes Islam as entering peacefully, namely from the expression of cultural arts.

"In developed countries, the storefronts that are displayed are culture, museums. So we see, the culture in the future will fulfill SDG's, this is The Power of Culture. I think this emphasizes that our culture is a legacy that we must protect together, because if it is not us who care about culture, then who else," explained the Minister of Culture.

The Minister of Education then stated that one of the main agendas of KURMA2025 was the empowerment of MSMEs. In the Riau Islands, MSMEs contribute greatly to the regional economy.

"Therefore, I hope KURMA 2025 will become a platform that encourages the growth of MSMEs, including for cultural-based products, expands market access, and strengthens the competitiveness of our local products," concluded the Minister of Education and Culture.