AMANAH Building President Jokowi’s Commitment to Realizing Aceh’s Young Generation Training Center
By: Cut Nadia Azizah )*
The inauguration of the Aneuk Muda Aceh Unggul Hebat (AMANAH) Building marks an important step in efforts to advance the young generation of Aceh through training programs designed to improve independence and skills. This building is presented as a commitment by President Jokowi who wants a center for activities and empowerment, with a primary focus on developing the potential of young people in various regions of Indonesia. In this case, Aceh is one of the locations chosen to develop various sectors, ranging from agriculture, technology, to entrepreneurship involving young people.
One of the main objectives of the AMANAH Building, the construction of which was initiated by the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) together with other stakeholders, is to provide space for the young generation of Aceh to learn and develop. Training programs in the creative economy sector, for example, provide opportunities for the young generation to learn how to make handicrafts that follow current trends and market them to a wider market.
The handicraft training organized by AMANAH is closely related to the existence of AMANAH’s new building as a training center. The new building is designed to be a center for skills development for local communities, including traditional craftsmen and the younger generation who want to be involved in preserving Acehnese culture through handicrafts.
Through this handicraft program, AMANAH adds a new collection of batik motifs in Aceh through the Batik Creation Training held at Rumoh Batik Malaka, Aceh Besar Regency. This activity was attended by the younger generation, ranging from local batik craftsmen to students of Syiah Kuala University (USK) Banda Aceh.
One of the participants, Qurratun Aini, stated that she gained a lot of knowledge from the training. Qurratun is part of the young generation of Aceh who chose to enter the traditional batik industry. She has been working as a batik craftsman since the previous year and has participated in various trainings to develop her skills, including training held by AMANAH. On that occasion, Qurratun created a banana heart motif, which she said was simpler for canting. Qurratun expressed her appreciation for the training held and hopes that this kind of training can continue to help develop the local batik industry.
In addition, AMANAH also held handicraft training for the community in Pidie Regency, Aceh Province. In addition to training, participants were also encouraged to innovate in the production and marketing of their products. One of the local craftsmen, Fitriani, expressed her gratitude for this training. According to her, this training provides many benefits for local craftsmen, allowing them to compete with other superior products. She also highlighted the great support provided by AMANAH in the training.
The training was held at Fitri Souvenir, located in Garot Village, Indrajaya District, Pidie Regency. This area has long been known as the center of Acehnese handicrafts. Products produced by craftsmen in this area include bags, wallets, umbrellas, pillowcases, traditional clothing, and various types of embroidery with gold thread. In addition, they also produce Acehnese caps, or what is known as makeutub, as well as various other crafts.
Although handicraft production in Pidie Regency has been going on for a long time, the marketing of their products has not been maximized at a wide level. Therefore, the presence of AMANAH is expected to help expand the promotion of these handicraft products.
Fitriani expressed her gratitude to AMANAH, hoping that this assistance could introduce their products to a wider audience. She hopes that products that have been less well-known can be exposed and known to more people thanks to AMANAH’s support.
This handicraft training is not only aimed at housewives, but also involves the local young generation. This aims to introduce them to making Pidie’s typical crafts, with the hope that this cultural heritage will be preserved in the future. Moreover, the handicraft industry in Pidie had experienced a decline during the Covid-19 pandemic, which caused a drastic decline in sales.
The involvement of young people is expected to encourage innovation in production and help market handicraft products through digital technology. Fitriani expressed her concerns about the future of this industry if only older people are involved in its production. She invited the younger generation to participate in preserving this culture for the sake of mutual progress.
With the inauguration of the AMANAH Building, empowerment programs such as handicraft training that have been running so far will be further strengthened. This building is expected to become a learning center that not only provides knowledge, but also the spirit to innovate and collaborate.
In addition, with this training center, AMANAH can be more effective in assisting local craftsmen, especially in developing new, trendier products such as bags, hats, bandanas, and fans. The new building also makes it easier for AMANAH to hold ongoing training, including introducing digital technology as an important marketing tool, especially for the younger generation who are expected to continue the tradition of Acehnese handicrafts.
The AMANAH building is also a symbol of commitment to building a more independent and advanced Aceh. Through the training provided, young Acehnese are expected to be able to become agents of change who can bring positive impacts to their communities, as well as improve the economic welfare of Aceh as a whole.
)* Women and Children Empowerment Consultant – Aceh Madani Women’s Advocacy Institute
