The Ponorogo Regency Government continues to strive towards being part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). One of the real efforts was made through the 2nd Samandiman Keris & Akik Art Bazaar which took place for two days, May 3-4, 2025, at the Samandiman Café.
Carrying the theme “Nyawijining Hobi & Paseduluran”, this event is not just a place to buy and sell collections of tosan aji and akik stones. More than that, this bazaar is a space for cultural expression and a strategy to promote Ponorogo’s local wealth to the international level.
35 traders from various regions such as Yogyakarta, Surabaya, Gresik, and Madura took part in this exhibition. They brought various collections of keris, akik stones, and other traditional works of art that enrich the cultural treasures of the archipelago.
Ponorogo Regent Sugiri Sancoko, who was present at the opening of the bazaar, stated that this kind of event has strategic value in encouraging the formation of a creative economic ecosystem. He emphasized the importance of community synergy to deliver Ponorogo to become part of UCCN with the category of craft and folk art.
“We are fighting for Ponorogo to be recognized as a World Creative City by UNESCO. For that, activities like this must continue to be sustainable so that the creative ecosystem grows strong from the roots of local culture,” said Sugiri.
Community synergy is the key to success. He described the effort as “rampak baris” – togetherness and solidarity of all elements in one big movement.
“I can’t do it alone. It takes many people’s feet, many people’s sweat, many people’s hands. With this solidarity, I am sure the creative economy can raise Ponorogo’s name to the world stage,” he said.
The Samandiman Art Bazaar is not only a gathering place for keris and akik lovers, but also a symbol of Ponorogo’s determination in combining culture, economy, and creative promotional strategies towards global recognition. *Man
