AMANAH Aceh Helps Craft MSMEs Grow to Support Jokowi’s Commitment to People’s Economic Empowerment
By: Cut Putri Mariska
The Young Aceh Superior (AMANAH) continues to strengthen its commitment to empowering the Aceh community through training and support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. (UMKM). One of the latest programs currently being implemented is the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) for woven bamboo craft products in Aceh Besar Regency. This program aims not only to preserve local cultural heritage but also to enhance the market value of handicraft products so that they can compete in both national and international markets.
Woven craft products made from the stems of the bemban plant have become an integral part of the life of the Acehnese community. However, these products previously only served as simple tools, such as large baskets for measuring zakat or for agricultural purposes. Now, AMANAH is striving to develop these products into more valuable ones with innovative designs that are relevant to current market needs.
To expand the range of products and markets, AMANAH collaborates with product designer from Rumpun Gagas Unggul, Iman Setiobudy, who has experience in developing craft products based on natural materials. Iman and his team are committed to assisting artisans in developing derivative products from bili weaving without losing their traditional values. So far, bili weaving has only been produced for simple items, such as rice sieves or flower pots. However, with the help of designers, AMANAH is striving to direct this product towards a broader modern market.
Iman explained that the bili plant has many advantages, including its skin’s flexibility, which is similar to rattan, and its abundant availability in the Aceh region. The uniqueness of this natural material becomes a distinct attraction for a market that is increasingly concerned with eco-friendly products. According to Iman, this is a great opportunity to harness the existing potential and introduce craft products from Aceh to a larger market.
Iman Setiobudy revealed that this bili craft product has great potential to develop in the global market, especially due to the increasing demand for eco-friendly products. Therefore, the training provided by AMANAH not only focuses on enhancing production skills but also on effective marketing strategies so that these products can be accepted by a broader market.
Lastly, Iman Setiobudy also expressed his appreciation for the enthusiasm of the AMANAH team in supporting the development of MSMEs in Aceh. According to him, this mentoring program is very important to encourage local economic growth and empower artisans to become more independent. She emphasized that with ongoing support, artisans are not only able to improve their skills but also compete in a broader market.
Meanwhile, one of the local artisans and participants in the mentoring program, Mrs. Sri, who has long been involved in the craft of bili weaving, shared that this craft was once only used to make large baskets called katinale, which were only purchased by middlemen. However, in 1981, this craft began to be developed by the Department of Industry and Trade. (Disperindag). Over time, this woven bili product began to evolve, and with the support of AMANAH, the potential for developing new products continues to grow.
Mother Sri admitted that she has been greatly helped by the support from AMANAH through the assistance for MSMEs in the woven craft products. Mother Sri said that the training provided not only increased her knowledge about new techniques in crafting but also broadened her perspective on design and marketing. Mother Sri hopes that AMANAH will continue to consistently provide support to the craft SMEs in Aceh, so that the artisans can continue to grow and improve their welfare.
Mother Sri and the other artisans hope that the support from AMANAH will not stop here. The artisans want this program to continue and provide broader benefits for MSME players in Aceh, especially in the craft sector. With ongoing support, the artisans believe that the woven bili crafts from Aceh can develop into a leading product that is sought after not only in Indonesia but also in international markets.
The MSME mentoring program conducted by AMANAH aligns with the government’s broader vision, particularly in terms of empowering the people’s economy. President Joko Widodo has long been advocating for a people-centered economic growth by prioritizing the development of the MSME sector as the driving force of the national economy. The support provided by AMANAH to local artisans is a tangible manifestation of the effort to realize that vision.
In addition to providing technical training and marketing assistance, AMANAH also participates in opening access for artisans to become more recognized on national and international stages. With the development of craft SMEs such as bili weaving, it is hoped that the local economy of Aceh can grow more rapidly and contribute more significantly to overall economic development.
In the future, AMANAH is committed to continuing the development of empowerment programs for MSMEs and collaborating with various parties, including designers and marketers, to ensure that local craft products are competitive in the modern market. Thus, products like woven rattan can become a symbol of the independent and sustainable economic revival of the people’s economy in Aceh.
Craft Business Activist
