Launching Dodolan Ekraf Marketplace at BWBF 2026, Expanding Market Access for MSMEs

Bojonegoro – Lion dance performances, traditional dances, and entertainment by several guest stars enlivened the opening of the 3rd Bojonegoro Wastra Batik Festival (BWBF) at Bojonegoro Square, East Java Province, on Wednesday evening (17/6/2026). The event serves as a platform to promote batik while strengthening the local creative economy and tourism sectors.

BWBF 2026 carries the theme “Wastrane Bojonegoro Membumi lan Ngamboro ing Bawono”, which means “Bojonegoro’s Traditional Clothing Takes Root and Spreads Throughout the World.” The festival runs for four days, from 17 to 20 June 2026.

Representing the Governor of East Java, Chairperson of the East Java Provincial Dekranasda, Arumi Bachsin, stated that BWBF is concrete proof that cultural preservation can go hand in hand with strengthening the creative economy and tourism development.

According to her, batik not only has aesthetic value but also contains history, philosophy, and cultural identity that provide added economic value to the community.

“Just like the one I’m wearing and what the Regent is wearing. It’s not just the motifs that are beautiful — every motif has a history and a story, and every piece of fabric is different from those made by machines. There is sweat, prayer, and the creativity of the artisans,” she said.

Arumi explained that the creative economy is one of the main engines of economic growth in East Java, with the fashion subsector as one of its leading sectors. Therefore, efforts are needed to produce more creative products capable of competing in local, national, and international markets.

She added that batik has a strategic role because it has been recognized by UNESCO as an Indonesian Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Meanwhile, Bojonegoro Regent Setyo Wahono expressed appreciation to all parties who contributed to making BWBF 2026 a success. According to him, every Bojonegoro batik motif holds local wisdom, history, philosophy, and regional identity.

“We want culture not only to be admired history, but to become a foundation capable of bringing prosperity and pride to Bojonegoro,” he said.

In addition to the wastra (traditional cloth) and crafts exhibition, BWBF 2026 also features various educational and competitive activities, such as the launch of Bojonegoro’s creative economy marketplace, batik education and training programs for elementary and junior high school students, talk shows on digital marketing strategies for MSMEs and creative economy players, and various practical workshops.

The festival is also enlivened by a batik fashion show competition, cultural performances, and entertainment involving various elements of society.

Regent Wahono hopes that BWBF can strengthen the batik and creative economy ecosystem in East Java, especially Bojonegoro, so that it continues to develop dynamically and adapt to the times.

“The hope is to ensure that the batik ecosystem in East Java, particularly Bojonegoro, will continue to move dynamically and adapt to the times, while serving as a platform for collaboration and networking among creative economy players from various regions, and advancing culture-based tourism,” he added.

On the same occasion, Wahono also announced that the UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp) assessment will take place from 18 to 19 June 2026. In addition, the Bojonegoro Regency Government will launch a creative economy marketplace named Dodolan Ekraf — a digital platform that connects creative economy players with a broader market.

According to him, the presence of this platform is a concrete step in driving the transformation of MSMEs and creative economy players from conventional marketing systems to a more modern, effective, and competitive digital market.

First Day of Bojonegoro Wastra Batik Festival (BWBF) 2026

The first day of the Bojonegoro Wastra Batik Festival (BWBF) 2026 took place vibrantly at Bojonegoro Square, East Java Province, on Wednesday (17/6/2026).

Thousands of visitors crowded the festival area to view various batik collections and creative economy products displayed by local businesses.

Rows of batik fabrics in diverse colors and motifs adorned every exhibition booth. Visitors appeared enthusiastic as they examined motif details, selected their favorite products, and engaged in direct conversations with the artisans about the production process of regional batik.

BWBF is not merely a venue for transactions, but also a space where tradition meets modern lifestyle. People from all walks of life — families, students, young people, and batik enthusiasts — were seen enjoying the festival atmosphere that showcases the richness of Nusantara traditional textiles.

At many booths, visitors hunted for batik shirts, fabrics, and batik-based accessories. The bustling buying and selling activities brought fresh momentum for the MSMEs and artisans involved.

One visitor, Awwaliya, said she came to the festival not only to shop but also to show support for local artisans’ works.

“I’m proud to wear local batik products because every motif carries cultural values and identity that must be preserved and introduced to the wider community,” she said.

The high turnout on the first day demonstrates that batik continues to have strong appeal amid modern fashion trends. This public enthusiasm also serves as a positive signal for the development of culture-based creative industries in Bojonegoro Regency.

Carrying the theme “Wastrane Bojonegoro Membumi lan Ngamboro ing Bawono”, the festival organized by the Bojonegoro Regency Culture and Tourism Agency features a variety of activities, including batik and accessory exhibitions, talk shows, fashion shows, competitions, and music entertainment.

The BWBF 2026 opening ceremony was held on the main stage at Bojonegoro Square. This year, the committee provided 69 booths in the main area, occupied by batik artisans, creative economy players, and regional flagship products. Additionally, there were 39 MSME booths in the outdoor area.

With a total of 108 participating booths, BWBF 2026 is expected to strengthen the promotion of Bojonegoro batik while boosting the growth of the local creative economy sector. The festival will continue until 20 June 2026.