Jakarta, April 30, 2024 - As one of the BUMN holdings, PT Pupuk Indonesia (Persero) not only focuses on the fertilizer and petrochemical industries but also actively promotes community welfare. One empowerment effort initiated by Pupuk Indonesia is through full support for a cultural diversity celebration organized by the Ministry of BUMN, namely Kelana Wastra Fashion Fest (KAWFEST) 2024. This celebration serves as a platform to accelerate the growth of the SME sector, especially related to Indonesian textiles and other fashion products. KAWFEST 2024 is one of the collaboration programs between the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) and the National Crafts Council (Dekranas).

KAWFEST 2024, held from April 25-28, 2024, at Sarinah, Central Jakarta, is part of the SME Bazaar for Indonesia 2024. With the theme "Kelana Wastra," BUMN along with Dekranas aims to portray a journey through the beauty and diversity of Indonesia's heritage, understanding cultural heritage through fabric and design packaged in several activities ranging from the SME Bazaar, School Fashion Design Competition, to the Wastra Trunk Show.

In this event, Pupuk Indonesia is present with its unchanged commitment to preserving culture and supporting SME growth in Indonesia, especially in the textile and handicraft sectors, through various programs and activities. Several SMEs under Pupuk Indonesia's guidance also participated in the Wastra Trunk Show event, including Deden Fashion, Batik & Tenun Gedhog Zaenal, and OG Jewelry.

The Director of Human Resources, Tina T. Kemala Intan, who attended the opening of KAWFEST 2024, expressed, "Pupuk Indonesia is proud to participate in this BUMN collaboration to advance creative SMEs and promote Indonesia's rich textile culture. We fully support Kelana Wastra Fashion Fest 2024, organized by the Ministry of BUMN, to accelerate empowerment and regeneration of Wastra SME actors, while revitalizing Indonesia's creative economy."

KAWFEST 2024 is not just an exhibition or fashion show but also an inspirational stage for the next generation of textile designers. It includes the School Fashion Design Competition, participated by 10 renowned fashion schools. In addition to showcasing the richness of Indonesian textile culture, this event provides an opportunity for young people to showcase their creative talents and preserve valuable cultural heritage.

Moreover, through the Association of Wives of Pupuk Indonesia Employees (PIKA-PI) Group, Pupuk Indonesia actively mentors SMEs in various regions, including those engaged in textiles. The presence of the PIKA-PI Group at KAWFEST 2024 is also tangible support for SMEs showcasing Indonesia's cultural heritage in the Wastra Trunk Show. Through KAWFEST 2024, the partner fabric of Pupuk Indonesia's mentored SME, Batik Teuku, was selected as the fabric used by fashion school students in the fashion design competition.

KAWFEST 2024 is also a real effort by the Ministry of BUMN and Dekranas to support the development of textile SMEs in Indonesia and expand the marketing of SME fashion products. Through this collaboration, it is hoped that the fashion SME industry, especially those based on textiles, can further develop and positively impact Indonesia's economy as a whole.

"Let us together support and appreciate KAWFEST 2024 as one of the efforts to preserve cultural heritage, support SMEs, and encourage the regeneration of the next generation in the textile design world. It is hoped that through this new step via KAWFEST 2024, Indonesia can produce talented young generations who can bring pride and honor to the Indonesian nation on the global stage," Tina concluded.