Appreciating the Success of the AMANAH Program to Improve Youth Economy, Help Promote Weaving Craftsmen
By: Malik Farhan
The Aneuk Muda Aceh Unggul dan Hebat (AMANAH) program continues to show real impact in driving the economy of the Acehnese people, especially for the youth. One sector that receives special attention is weaving crafts, which are a cultural heritage of Aceh and have great economic potential.
Through its strategic flagship program during the leadership of President Joko Widodo, AMANAH has succeeded in not only preserving this craft, but also promoting the works of local craftsmen to a wider market, both nationally and internationally.
This program is part of a major initiative built by the government, especially through the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) led by Police General (Ret.) Prof. Dr. Budi Gunawan.
As part of efforts to develop the quality of human resources (HR) for Acehnese youth, AMANAH provides training that focuses on improving technical skills, design innovation, and marketing strategies for weaving artisans.
This step not only maintains the continuity of local culture, but also empowers the community’s economy by providing greater opportunities to market their products professionally.
One of the important elements in this program is the Weaving Creation Training, where participants are given guidance by experienced mentors, such as Zulhelmi. Zulhelmi, as a craftsman and weaving mentor, sees that the young generation of Aceh has great potential to take weaving to a higher level.
This training provides them with new knowledge about traditional and modern weaving techniques, allowing participants to combine traditional elements with contemporary design innovations. Thus, the woven products produced are able to compete in a wider market, both in terms of quality and creativity.
The training also succeeded in creating a collaborative atmosphere that encouraged young craftsmen to share experiences and learn from each other. Zulhelmi emphasized the importance of preserving cultural values in every woven work, while still providing space for exploration and innovation that is in line with current market trends. As a result, the training participants are not only proficient in weaving techniques, but also understand the importance of the cultural narrative behind each motif they create.
Sely Aprilia, one of the participants of the Weaving Creation Training, felt the extraordinary benefits of this program. As a young person who had not previously explored the world of weaving crafts, the training organized by AMANAH opened her eyes to the enormous economic potential of this craft.
She learned about various basic to advanced techniques in making woven fabrics, as well as how to create motifs that are not only beautiful, but also have a unique Acehnese story behind them. Sely assessed that this program provides an opportunity for the young generation of Aceh to contribute to preserving cultural heritage while producing products with high economic value.
In addition, the government’s human resource quality development program through the BIN initiative also creates a platform for young designers to compete and test their creativity through the Woven Design Competition.
Ahlul Fikri, one of the participants in the competition, believes that this competition is not only a competition for skills, but also an opportunity to introduce Acehnese woven designs to the wider world.
Through this competition, participants are challenged to create designs that are able to combine traditional elements with modernity, so that the results can be accepted by the global market.
According to Ahlul, this competition is very important in encouraging the spirit of innovation among young designers. This program not only gives them space to show their talents, but also strengthens their networks and introduces them to a more professional business world.
The designs produced by the competition participants were then promoted by AMANAH through various exhibitions and promotional events, both domestically and abroad. Thus, Aceh woven fabrics produced by these creative young hands are increasingly known and in demand by global consumers.
The success of the initiative program led by the institution led by Police General (Ret.) Prof. Dr. Budi Gunawan in advancing the weaving craft sector cannot be separated from the synergy of the various parties involved.
Mentors, trainees, designers, and the government work together to create an ecosystem that supports the development of this creative industry. The AMANAH program also plays a role in strengthening the distribution network, so that Acehnese woven products can be more easily reached by a wider market.
Full support from the government and related institutions also makes Acehnese weaving one of the superior products that is expected to be able to make a significant contribution to the local economy.
With well-structured training and competitions, young craftsmen and designers in Aceh now have broader skills and insights to advance their work.
They are no longer limited to the local market, but have penetrated the national and international arena. Through AMANAH, Acehnese weavers are given a proper platform to showcase their work, while also gaining recognition for their skills and creativity.
This leading strategic program during President Joko Widodo’s leadership era has not only succeeded in reviving local cultural values that had been neglected, but has also created new economic opportunities for Aceh’s youth.
Through the development of weaving crafts, they not only play a role as cultural preservers, but also as creative economic drivers who are able to create jobs and improve community welfare.
Ultimately, the success of the AMANAH program in improving the youth economy and helping promote weaving artisans is a real example of the importance of synergy between culture, creativity, and innovation in creating a positive economic impact.
By continuing to support this initiative, it is hoped that more young craftsmen and designers will be able to contribute to preserving Aceh’s cultural heritage, while also improving people’s welfare through the creative economy.
*) Student of Economics and Business, Syiah Kuala University (Unsyiah)
