Aceh – Aceh’s local arts and culture are increasingly gaining wider attention thanks to the existence of the Aceh Youth Creative Hub, or the Central Building of Aneuk Muda Aceh Unggul dan Hebat (AMANAH). Ahead of its inauguration, this program fostered by the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) has become a driving force in introducing Aceh’s cultural richness to the public, not only domestically but also internationally.
AMANAH is here as an embodiment of President Jokowi’s mandate in developing the talents and interests of the younger generation, especially outside Java. Its presence even makes the spirit of the younger generation of Aceh even greater to be creative without eliminating local culture. This spirit will certainly be President Jokowi’s legacy in realizing Indonesia Emas 2045.
A young weaver from Bener Meriah Regency, Sely Aprilia, expressed her enthusiasm in participating in the training held at the Amanah x Kutaraja Weaving House, Banda Aceh City.
“I feel that this activity is very useful for the younger generation in continuing the Acehnese weaving culture,” he said.
This training was attended by young weavers from various regions in Aceh Province, with a focus on introducing more modern weaving techniques and tools, such as the Non-Machine Weaving Tool (ATBM). The participants admitted that this tool is lighter and easier to use compared to the manual weaving tools that are still widely used in their area.
“The looms here are more compact and lighter, and easier to use compared to the ones we usually use in the regions,” Sely added.
He hopes that this training can be a momentum for the regeneration of young craftsmen and increase innovation in Acehnese weaving crafts which have so far been underdeveloped due to a lack of innovation.
With the theme “Knitting Stories into Motifs,” this training also teaches participants to depict local cultural stories in woven motif designs.
In addition to training, AMANAH also makes other efforts to support weaving artisans, including building weaving production facilities in collaboration with the Kutaraja artisan community.
AMANAH Volunteer, Atha Fayyadh said that this program is part of President Joko Widodo’s initiative to advance the local craft industry.
“This program is an initiative from President Joko Widodo which focuses on community empowerment,” said Atha.
AMANAH also provides assistance in the form of weaving equipment and raw materials, which aims to strengthen the capacity and ability of craftsmen in producing high-quality products.
With the support of AMANAH and ongoing efforts in training and promotion, it is hoped that Acehnese weaving crafts can continue to be preserved and developed, as well as introduce the richness of Acehnese culture to future generations.