DKI Jakarta Governor Ali Sadikin Inaugurated Sandang Swakarya II Week In Today's History, August 2, 1973

Governor of DKI Jakarta (1966-1977), Ali Sadikin when receiving the Canadian Minister of Industry and Trade, Donald Jamaiessen on March 2, 1972. (Doc. National Library of Indonesia)

JAKARTA – Today's history, 49 years ago, on August 2, 1973, Ali Sadikin inaugurated the 2nd Sandang Swakarya Week at Sarinah Building, Jakarta. His presence is proof of the DKI government's commitment to support the promotion of the domestic creative industry. Moreover, domestic goods are starting to show their quality in competing with foreign goods. Everything is to foster the passion for creative industry growth. The event also invited a positive response from all businessmen and residents of DKI Jakarta.

Bang Ali's support for the creative industry has never been half-hearted. During his tenure as Governor of DKI Jakarta from 1966 to 1977, that was the extent of Ali Sadikin's concern for the creative sector. He initiated various events to promote creative business products.

Sales Emporium, one of them. The exhibition was initiated by Ali Sadikin because he saw similar events abroad. Philippines, Taiwan, to Thailand. The event aims to stimulate the creative industry with handicraft items.

Bang Ali also tried to bring the concept to Jakarta. All efforts are mobilized. Bang Ali's concern was justified. He understands the great potential of creative industry goods. If it is not immediately assisted, then the great potential of the creative industry in Jakarta will not be lifted.

Therefore, Sales Emporium is considered as the right place. A place to help entrepreneurs as well as a place to promote goods. The title was a success. Creative products from DKI Jakarta can be famous throughout the country, even the world.

“I believe that promotional efforts are closely related to marketing. Successful marketing will mean an increase in the gross regional product of the City of Jakarta. Therefore, I have organized and developed these promotional efforts conceptually. In line with that point, other exhibitions were also held.”

“Such as graphic exhibitions, food and beverage exhibitions, wood industry exhibitions, flower industry exhibitions, and many other types of exhibitions. All of them are intended to promote industrial and business growth in Jakarta,” said Ali Sadikin as written by Ramadhan KH in the book Bang Ali: Demi Jakarta 1966-1977 (1992).

In his journey, Ali Sadikin did not rely solely on Sales Emporium to promote creative products. But he also supports anyone who has a concern in promoting creative products made by the nation's children.

Bang Ali's support for the creation of Swakarya Clothing Week, for example. The event received full support from the DKI Jakarta Government in 1972. The enthusiasm of the citizens of Jakarta was high because of it. The Swakarya Week then inspired the presence of the Indonesian Consumers Foundation (YLKI).

At the Swarkarya II Clothing Week event, YLKI also asked Bang Ali to inaugurate. Bang Ali proudly opened the event on the lower floor of the Sarinah Building, Jakarta on August 2, 1973. Swarkarya II Week was considered by Bang Ali to be in accordance with his dream of advancing the creative industry of DKI Jakarta.

“Initially, this foundation did not want to have a confrontation with producers (business actors), especially with the government. This is proven by YLKI by holding the Second and Third Self-Promotion Weeks.”

“This activity has finally been used by domestic producers. In this cooperative atmosphere, YLKI then gave birth to the motto: protecting consumers, maintaining the dignity of producers, and helping the government," said Zulham in the book on Consumer Protection Law (2017).