First Lady urges the rich to buy jewelries despite crisis
Jakarta, (ANTARA News) - Despite the impact of global financial crisis, First Lady Ani Yudhoyono asked those who are financially established to keep purchasing jewelry here Thursday.
She made the remarks in the opening of a jewelry exhibition held by Mutumanikam Nusantara at the Jakarta Convention Centre from December 18-21 entitled "Lestarikan Zamrud Khatulistiwa, Seni Budaya Indonesia dan Pacu Kreativitas" (Preserving Indonesian arts and culture by accelerating creativity).
This year`s exhibition is the third since 2006 which is in line with the launching of Mutumanikam Nusantara magazine, first edition.
"Look who are behind the jewelries. There are craftsmen who have to earn a living for their family. They need appreciation for their skill, work and creativity," she said.
She then quoted President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in several occasions as urging the rich to spend their money to maintain Indonesia`s economic movement.
"By spending your money to buy jewelries here then all of you will help the craftsmen to support their family," she said.
She added that the financial crisis certainly has decreased the amount of orders to the craftsmen and business owners but also asked them not to layoff their employees.
Therefore she encouraged the craftsmen and owners to create innovation by applying precious and ornament stones on other accessories such as bags and homeware.
Furthermore, she asked Indonesian women to express their love of domestic products by buying and wearing them.
The Indonesian women who have worn jewelries in traditional ceremonies and as a symbol of status and beauty since long time ago are the real market now totalling 50 percent of the national population.
Mutumanikam Nusantara Indonesia is an organization of jewelry lovers and craftsmen spearheaded by first lady Ani Yudhoyono herself and designed as a concern to boost the Indonesian economy and to increase the interest of small and medium enterprises through the development of the jewelry industry.
Acting as chair is Herawatie Wirajuda with Tatty Aburizal Bakrie, Rosa Dino Pati Djalal, Liliana Hary Tanoesoedibjo and Vitri Andi Mallarangeng as members.
In the opening, Bali craftsmen handed over a necklace made of Pacitan diamonds, Bali pearls, and Kalimantan precious stones to the board of the organization which will be auctioned later for funding craftsmen training.(*)
COPYRIGHT © 2008 ANTARA
PubDate: 12/19/08 01:06
