Surakarta's craft and folk art make Unesco's creative cities network

Courtiers dressed in traditional Javanese costumes enter the Surakarta Palace complex in Surakarta, Central Java. - The Jakarta Post

JAKARTA: Surakarta city in Central Java successfully joined Unesco's Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in the Craft and Folk Art category on Tuesday (Oct 31), after having failed multiple times to join the network.

According to the United Nations cultural organisation Unesco's website, Surakarta is among 55 new cities to recently join the network. This brings the total number of member cities to 350 from around the world in seven creative categories: crafts and folk arts, design, film, gastronomy, literature, media arts and music.

The new member cities were chosen for their innovative use of culture and creativity to drive regional development. They also demonstrated innovative practices in human-centered urban planning.

Previously, Surakarta had failed its applications twice in 2017 and 2019. It was also banned from applying for two years. However, Surakarta persevered, and its efforts have finally been rewarded with a place in the prestigious network.

Surakarta Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda) chief Sri Wardhani Poerbowidjojo said there were five other regions in Indonesia that applied for the UCCN in 2023.

These were Depok city in West Java (media arts category), Bantul regency in Yogyakarta and Ponogoro regency in East Java (crafts and folk art category), and Bitung city in North Sulawesi and Salatiga city in Central Java (gastronomy category).

"Initially, six cities were proposed for the UCCN. Of the six, two cities successfully entered the nomination: Solo and Depok. Then, yesterday [Tuesday], it was announced that Solo became a new member of the Creative Cities Network in the category of craft and folk art," Sri Wardhani said in Surakarta, using the city’s old name.

"We have many art performances, including Solo International Performing Arts [SIPA], which is international. Then folk art like wayang is unique, including wayang orang [human shadow puppets], which may be different from those in other cities."

Wardhani explained that membership in the UCCN will bring Surakarta several benefits, including increased global recognition, improved well-being for its residents and a flourishing arts sector.

The Surakarta City Culture and Tourism Office will further develop the city's achievement by hosting biennial meetings between creative cities. - The Jakarta Post/ANN