Aceh – In the era of President Jokowi’s leadership, the Aceh Unggul Hebat (AMANAH) Youth Program has once again stolen the spotlight with its various latest initiatives designed to increase the spirit of creativity and innovation among Acehnese youth.
The AMANAH program initiated by the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) restores the use of natural materials in making batik in Aceh through Batik Creation Training held at Rumoh Batik Malaka, Aceh Besar Regency.
This natural coloring technique was explained by a trainer from Rumpun Consulting, Fariz Al Hazmi.
“This activity focuses on the development of batik and the introduction of natural dyes,” said Fariz.
“We start with the basics of batik, the batik process, the history of batik in Aceh, and techniques using natural dyes, explained Fariz.”
Making batik with natural materials has been known in Aceh for a long time, but this technique has been abandoned along with the emergence of synthetic dyes. Synthetic dyes often have a negative impact on the environment, so AMANAH encourages the use of natural dyes for environmental preservation.
“Synthetic dyes can damage the environment. Natural dyes are more environmentally friendly and utilize local resources,” Fariz added.
Before dyeing, participants undergo a mordant process to increase the adhesion of the color to the fabric. The fabric is boiled in a mixture of alum and soda ash, then colored with natural dyes that will be further processed in the next session.
This training is a collaboration between AMANAH, the Regional National Craft Council (Dekranasda) of Aceh Besar Regency, and USK Banda Aceh. This program is part of AMANAH’s efforts to develop the potential of the younger generation in the fashion sector and is expected to improve the batik industry in Aceh.
The AMANAH program reflects the full support of the central and regional governments in empowering young people through the creative economy. This initiative is in line with President Jokowi’s grand vision to make the creative economy a main pillar in national economic development.