By: Muhlisin Sany *)
Aceh has great potential in developing the creative economy sector and MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises). In order to encourage innovation and creativity among Acehnese youth, Aneuk Muda Aceh Unggul Besar (AMANAH), an organization that focuses on community empowerment, has initiated a series of MSME training and development programs aimed at equipping the younger generation with the skills needed to become successful entrepreneurs.
This training program organized by AMANAH covers various important aspects in developing MSMEs, starting from business management, digital marketing, to product innovation. This training not only provides theoretical knowledge, but also provides opportunities for participants to practice skills through business simulations and real projects. In this way, Acehnese youth can be better prepared to face challenges in an increasingly competitive business world.
On August 13-14, AMANAH held handicraft training for residents in Pidie Regency, Aceh Province. Participants are trained to develop and innovate in production and marketing. One of the local craftsmen, Fitriani, stated that this training provided many benefits for the craftsmen. Fitriani also expressed her gratitude because this training provided the opportunity to compete with other superior products.
The AMANAH training took place at a handicraft center located in Garot Village, Indrajaya District, Pidie Regency, which has long been known as a center for typical Acehnese handicrafts. Handicraft products produced by craftsmen in this area include bags, wallets, umbrellas, pillowcases, traditional clothing, as well as various gold thread embroidery. Apart from that, it also produces typical Acehnese skullcaps, or what is known as meuketop, and various other crafts.
Fitriani also added that AMANAH’s presence was very helpful in exposing handicraft products which were only known in remote areas. Therefore, AMANAH’s presence is the hope of the community to help promote handicraft products to a wider market.
Apart from training, AMANAH also supports the development of MSMEs by providing access to marketing networks and financing. This aims to help young entrepreneurs expand markets and increase the competitiveness of local products at national and international levels. With this support, it is hoped that Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Aceh can grow and contribute more to the regional economy.
This initiative received a positive response from various groups, including the local government and business community in Aceh because they saw the AMANAH program as a strategic step in exploiting the potential of Aceh’s youth and strengthening the local economy through developing MSMEs.
Some of AMANAH’s initiatives in developing MSMEs in Aceh include holding various MSME development seminars in a number of areas in Aceh. By focusing on increasing creativity and productivity, AMANAH targets students and the community to foster a strong and innovative entrepreneurial spirit.
This series of seminars was held in various districts, including South Aceh, with the central theme “Building Creative Business.” AMANAH invited a number of influential figures in the economic and business fields as speakers, such as Yuliana Irvana Rasyidi, Novita Rosmita, and Yusra. The seminar is designed to provide in-depth insight into the importance of a strong mentality, innovation in business, and effective marketing strategies.
Chair of the TP PKK South Aceh, Yuliana Irvana Rasyisi, emphasized that the income of MSMEs in Aceh needs to be increased significantly to achieve higher productivity targets. In every seminar, Yuliana always reminds the importance of the people of Aceh being able to compete economically with other regions. Meanwhile, we invite students to continue to hone their creative and productive abilities.
AMANAH is also expanding its initiatives and impact through the seminar program “Nextgen UMKM, Visionaries for Lhokseumawe.” This seminar aims to encourage the application of technology to increase the efficiency and competitiveness of MSMEs in the global market. This activity reflects AMANAH’s commitment to supporting the young generation in Lhokseumawe City to be more empowered in realizing the efficiency and competitiveness of MSMEs, in accordance with one of the pillars of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely “decent work and economic growth.”
Deputy Chairman of the Lhokseumawe DPRK, T. Sofianus emphasized the importance of synergy between government and community elements to achieve economic prosperity in Lhokseumawe City through the MSME sector. Sofianus also stated that forums initiated by AMANAH like this were able to create innovation and open MSME access to the global market, thereby increasing the competitiveness of local products.
AMANAH, as an institution that is a forum for MSMEs, creative industries and youth in Aceh, continues to strive to strengthen the business and economic ecosystem in this province through various positive programs. By focusing on innovation and synergy, AMANAH hopes to increase the competitiveness of Aceh’s MSMEs in the global market and support inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
*) MSME activist from Aceh