Jepara Rising: From Furniture Giant to Creative Economy Powerhouse
JEPARA Kartininews.com – Jepara Vice Regent Muhammad Ibnu Hajar (Gus Hajar) emphasized the important role of the National Creative Economy Movement (Gekrafs) in strengthening regional identity through innovation and creativity. He made the statement while attending the inauguration of the Jepara Regency Branch Leadership Council (DPC) of Gekrafs for the 2026-2029 term at Pendopo RA Kartini on Saturday afternoon (13/6/2026).
In the ceremony, the Jepara Gekrafs DPC board was officially inaugurated by the Chairperson of the Regional Representative Council (DPW) of Gekrafs Central Java, Berty Diah Rahmana. Muhammad Abdul Chaq was elected and officially took on the mandate as Chairperson of the Jepara Gekrafs DPC for the next three-year period.
Representing the Jepara Regency Government, Gus Hajar expressed his high hopes that Gekrafs would not merely become a ceremonial organization. He stressed that the future of Jepara’s economy depends on the ability of business actors to cultivate creative value.
“I believe the future of Jepara cannot be sustained by just selling products. We must sell creativity, design, cultural stories, and Jepara’s identity. Because the greatest economic value in the future will come from creativity, innovation, and brand strength,” Gus Hajar asserted in his speech.
He presented 2025 data showing the strength of Jepara’s wooden furniture industry, with investment value reaching more than Rp1.17 trillion from 892 companies. However, Gus Hajar urged Gekrafs to become a driving force that elevates local MSMEs to a higher level and helps them penetrate the digital market with strong branding.
“Don’t just build an organization full of activities. Make it an organization that creates real impact. Don’t just prepare work programs, but ensure those programs can improve the welfare of the community,” Gus Hajar added as a message to the new board.
In line with that hope, the newly inaugurated Chairperson of Jepara Gekrafs DPC, Muhammad Abdul Chaq, in his first speech stated his commitment to making Gekrafs an inclusive organization. He expressed the organization’s readiness to coordinate with all parties to advance the creative economy ecosystem in Jepara.
“Let us collaborate actively, let us continue to create so that the existence of young people can be seen and have an impact on the people of Jepara in particular, and the Indonesian people in general,” said Abdul Chaq.
The inauguration ceremony, themed “Bangkit Berkarya, Bergerak Berdaya” (Rise and Create, Move and Empower), is the implementation of Gekrafs’ 2026 work program. With Jepara’s Human Development Index (HDI) currently at 74.90 and the poverty rate having dropped to 5.79 percent, Gekrafs is expected to serve as a strategic partner for the government in realizing the “Jepara MULUS” development vision (Prosperous, Excellent, Sustainable, and Religious).
Gekrafs itself is a non-profit organization established in 2019 that serves as a bridge between creators, the government, and investors to develop the creative sector in Indonesia.
