By: Tengku Syamsul )*
Aceh is a province with extraordinary cultural richness, now starting to transform into a creative economy center strengthened by innovative ideas from its youth. One of the initiatives that plays an important role in this transformation is a program organized by Aneuk Muda Aceh Unggul Hebat (AMANAH). This program is designed to foster and develop the talents and potential of Aceh’s youth so that they can contribute more significantly to local economic growth. According to a report from Portal Nawacita, AMANAH has succeeded in encouraging the growth of the creative economy in Aceh through various programs that focus on youth empowerment.
The creative economy is one sector that has great potential to be developed in Aceh. Through the development of creative ideas, young people in Aceh can create new jobs and increase regional competitiveness at the national and international levels. AMANAH, with support from the government and various related parties, has launched various programs aimed at fostering and developing young talents in Aceh. These programs include skills training, micro-business development, and providing business capital for young entrepreneurs. Betawi Pos noted that the AMANAH program has succeeded in improving the economy and talents of young people in Aceh.
One of AMANAH’s flagship programs is micro-business development training. This program is called Aceh Digital Innovation and Creativity Techfest (ADICT). This program is held because of the many potentials and ideas from start-up companies .
One of the mentors of the event, Muammar Khadafi, assessed that the existence of AMANAH is very important because it is a container for various potentials and ideas of young people, because actually startups have the potential to develop in Aceh. However, ecosystem development is still needed. So, when young people have ideas they also have a place to accommodate them.
The program not only provides technical training, but also equips participants with the managerial and entrepreneurial skills needed to start and manage their own creative businesses. In doing so, AMANAH helps create a new generation of young entrepreneurs who are able to compete in the global market. These programs not only focus on technical skills, but also instill strong values of creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Masya Pratiwi, as one of the participants, said that thanks to the program organized by AMANAH, she was able to learn a lot and had the opportunity to get direct input from experts in the business world.
The impact of the AMANAH program has begun to be felt in various economic sectors in Aceh. Several business actors trained by AMANAH have succeeded in developing their businesses and creating new jobs for the local community. In addition, this program has also helped increase community income through the development of micro-businesses supported by capital and guidance from AMANAH. Antara News reported that the presence of AMANAH has become a major driver in accelerating Aceh’s economic growth, especially in the creative economy sector.
Micro Business Growth Since the AMANAH program was launched in 2022, there has been a 25% increase in the number of micro businesses established by young people in Aceh. Of this number, around 60% are engaged in the creative economy sector such as graphic design, handicrafts, and digital content production.
In addition, the AMANAH program has helped create more than 1,200 new jobs in Aceh in two years. Most of these jobs come from the creative economy sector, which is now one of the main contributors to regional economic growth. In addition, AMANAH has distributed Rp 15 billion in business capital assistance to more than 300 young entrepreneurs in Aceh. This assistance is used to develop micro-businesses in various creative sectors, including fashion, technology, and creative tourism.
Although AMANAH has achieved many successes, challenges still lie ahead. One of the main challenges is ensuring that the program can continue and grow in the long term. This requires continued support from the government, private sector, and community. In addition, greater efforts need to be made to improve access to technology and global markets for creative entrepreneurs in Aceh. By addressing these challenges, it is hoped that AMANAH can continue to be a pioneer in the development of the creative economy in Aceh.
AMANAH has proven itself as an initiative that is able to encourage Acehnese youth to play a more active role in driving the creative economy. This program not only provides training and financial support, but also inspires the younger generation to think creatively and innovatively in creating new economic opportunities. In the future, it is hoped that more initiatives like AMANAH will be able to strengthen the local economy and empower young people throughout Indonesia. Let us continue to support this effort, so that Aceh can continue to develop and become an example for other regions in developing the creative economy.
)* Student of Economics, University of Serambi Mekkah