Collaboration between AMANAH and Various Educational Institutions as President Jokowi’s Effort to Empower Generation Z in the Creative Economy Sector
By: Teuku Adi Pranama )*
President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) during his administration continues to review and strengthen the development of the creative economy sector in various regions in Indonesia, including Aceh, with the aim of empowering Generation Z. One important initiative in this effort is through collaboration between Aneuk Muda Aceh Unggul Hebat (AMANAH) and various educational institutions in Aceh. This collaboration not only focuses on optimizing educational potential, but also building the capacity of the younger generation and creating sustainable economic opportunities in the creative economy sector.
Through various policies and programs, the government has emphasized the importance of developing the creative economy in areas rich in culture and abundant natural resources, such as Aceh. With Aceh’s rich cultural and artistic heritage, including traditional fabrics, handicrafts, and leading commodities such as patchouli oil, it has great potential to become a center for developing the creative economy in Indonesia.
One of the strategic steps taken in order to empower the younger generation in the creative economy sector is the collaboration between AMANAH and the Indonesian Fashion Chamber (IFC). This collaboration aims to organize a training entitled ” X Fashion – Explore Your Passion in Fashion .”
This training aims to develop the talents and potential of Aceh’s generation Z in the fashion sector , with a focus on how to develop locally-based fashion products that can compete in the international market. In this training session, participants received materials on the development of the global fashion industry , strategies for penetrating the international market using traditional Acehnese fabrics (wastra), and the concept of sustainable fashion . In addition, they were also taught marketing and branding techniques needed to strengthen their products in the market.
The speakers and mentors in this training consisted of big names in the Indonesian fashion industry , such as Ali Charisma and IFC Chairman Khairul Fajri. The mentors not only shared in-depth knowledge, but also valuable experiences that were very useful for the participants. Khairul Fajri, in his speech, emphasized that fashion is one of the sectors that is most in demand by the young generation in Aceh, which at the same time is the second sector with the largest income in the Indonesian creative industry.
One of the main mentors in the training, Ali Charisma, emphasized the importance of promoting local culture in fashion design . He explained that traditional Acehnese fabrics, such as embroidery and Acehnese batik, have great potential in the global market if processed and presented in the right way. In addition, Charisma also gave some tips to the participants, such as remaining true to local culture, determining the right target market, and maintaining consistency in work.
Not only in the fashion sector , AMANAH also expanded the scope of its collaboration by collaborating with the Atsiri Research Center (ARC) of the Center for Excellence in Higher Education Science and Technology (PUIPT) Patchouli Aceh, Syiah Kuala University (USK). This collaboration aims to empower Acehnese millennials in developing creative products based on patchouli oil, which is one of Aceh’s leading commodities.
The training focused on the development of four derivative products from patchouli oil, namely perfume, body butter , pomade (hair oil), and body wash soap . Through this training, participants were taught the process of making patchouli derivative products, as well as how to market and develop these products in local and international markets.
AMANAH Chairman, Muhammad Tanwier, emphasized that the development of Aceh’s patchouli industry is very important to advance the regional economy. According to him, patchouli is one of the nine leading commodities of Aceh that has high economic value, especially as an export commodity. He hopes that through this training, the young generation of Aceh can be actively involved in developing a more innovative and sustainable patchouli industry.
According to the latest data, the creative economy sector in Aceh shows promising growth. In a report issued by the Central Statistics Agency, the creative industry, especially in the fashion and crafts sector, is one of the fastest growing sectors.
AMANAH’s collaboration with various institutions, both in the fashion and patchouli oil sectors, is one of the government’s strategic efforts in empowering Aceh’s generation Z in the creative economy sector. With ongoing training and support, Aceh’s young generation has a great opportunity to develop a career in the creative sector and contribute to strengthening the regional and national economy.
The government hopes that collaboration with educational institutions like this can strengthen the creative economy ecosystem in Aceh and open more opportunities for millennials to innovate and create quality products that can compete in the global market. Through the spirit of collaboration between the government, educational institutions, and the private sector, the young generation of Aceh now has a greater opportunity to take an active role in the growth of Indonesia’s creative economy.
In the future, it is hoped that this kind of collaboration will not only equip Aceh’s young generation with the skills needed to enter the workforce, but also inspire them to create positive change in their communities. With the right encouragement, the young generation can become the main driver in strengthening Aceh’s cultural and economic identity, as well as contributing to a more comprehensive and sustainable national economic growth.
)* Member of the Aceh Arts and Culture Community
