Liputan6.com, Jakarta The Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub), together with the National Handicraft Council (DEKRANAS), provided digital technology-based entrepreneurship training to around 52 micro and small business (UMK) artisans in Yogyakarta on Tuesday (24/11).
The training, held from November 24-28, 2020, at the Yogyakarta Large Craft Center, aims to foster new craft entrepreneurs to support the development of the Borobudur Super Priority Tourism Destination.
The Advisor of the Dharma Wanita Persatuan (DWP) of the Ministry of Transportation and Chair of the New Entrepreneurship Division of Dekranas, Endang Budi Karya, stated that the numerous cultural and tourism products in Yogyakarta and its surroundings must be supported by the craft industry to attract tourists.
Endang Budi Karya appreciated the training organized by the Ministry of Transportation, which not only provided training but also planned to help promote and market the training products in Yogyakarta and five other training locations: Labuan Bajo, Mandalika, Lake Toba, Likupang, and Patimban.
"We will support and strive to improve the lives of small and medium-sized business groups by encouraging all craft business players to be more aware, creative, and proud of Indonesian products. We provide knowledge on online business, such as website creation, social media utilization, and search engine optimization. Additionally, we offer training to improve product design and packaging quality to match market preferences and compete globally,” said Endang Budi Karya.
The government is currently developing accessibility to the Borobudur super-priority tourism destination, including the Joglosemar (Yogyakarta, Solo, Semarang) development triangle and direct access to Borobudur.
This is being done through land transportation and railway services to support historical and cultural tourism, as well as MICE (Meeting, Incentive, Convention, Exhibition) tourism in Yogyakarta.
Considering this, DEKRANAS, as a government partner, carries out various programs to nurture and develop small and medium craft businesses, provide specialized training in design, and enhance creativity and innovation.
However, it remains committed to preserving traditional identities, making craft products highly attractive with distinct characteristics and unique appeal. Some of Yogyakarta’s signature crafts include batik, bags, bracelets, necklaces, and other handmade items.
Additionally, the diversity of religious and cultural ceremonies, supported by artistic creativity and the hospitality of the local community, makes Yogyakarta and its surroundings an appealing destination for both domestic and international tourists.
"Given the cultural background and the community’s long-standing tradition of engaging in crafts, I am confident that the industry in Yogyakarta and its surroundings can continue to grow and develop,” Endang explained.
Endang added that the success of this training program requires synergy among various stakeholders, such as the Regional Dekranas (Dekranasda) at the provincial, district, and city levels in Yogyakarta and its surroundings, to explore potential craft products for further development.
Additionally, it aims to motivate artisans to be more creative and innovative, as well as to continue collaborating with ministries, institutions, private companies, state-owned enterprises (BUMN), and other relevant parties.
The Deputy Chairperson of Dekranasda DIY, GKBRA Adipati Paku Alam, fully supports this training initiative to improve the quantity and quality of products related to design development. According to him, creating new product designs requires ideas and creativity.
"This process involves several stages to develop new products that can be well-received by the market. The success of an innovative and creative product depends on the quality and collaboration between designers and small businesses,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the training participants expressed that the program greatly helped increase their business productivity. One participant, a stingray and cow leather craft artisan, Aji Musafa, mentioned that a major challenge for UMKM entrepreneurs is marketing through social media.
"As UMKM entrepreneurs, we still need guidance, particularly in online marketing, to ensure our products are visible and reach the public. In today’s era, technology-based training for online marketing is essential,” said Aji Mustafa.
Similarly, Gabah Ayu Nurhayati, another artisan attending the training, stated that sales during the pandemic had declined. Therefore, alternative methods such as online sales are necessary to expand the reach of her products to potential consumers.
For reference, the Ministry of Transportation has provided training to over 500 participants in five super-priority tourism destinations, including Labuan Bajo, Mandalika, Lake Toba, Likupang, and most recently, the Borobudur area and its surroundings.
Source: Liputan6.com
