Palembang - The central government continues to intensify community empowerment efforts. One of the latest concrete steps is carried out through collaboration between the Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri) and the National Crafts Council (Dekranas), which is holding a Sewing Training (Bimtek) in Palembang, South Sumatra.
The opening of the training was inaugurated by the Daily Chairperson of Dekranas, Mrs. Tri Tito Karnavian, who also serves as the Chairperson of the National Family Welfare Movement (TP PKK), and was attended by the Chairperson of Dekranasda of South Sumatra Province, the Chairperson of Dekranasda of Palembang City, Dekranas administrators, the training team, participants, and other invited guests.
The training, held at Hotel Harper Palembang, is aimed at providing practical skills for the community, particularly housewives and productive-age groups who do not yet have permanent employment. Its main objective is to open opportunities for independent entrepreneurship as well as access to the creative industry, especially in the fashion sector based on traditional fabrics such as Palembang songket.
Encouraging Excellent Human Resources and a Creative-Based Economy
This training program received direct attention from the Director General of Regional Development Guidance at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Restuardy Daud, who attended the closing ceremony. In his remarks, he emphasized the importance of vocational training as part of the national strategy to reduce poverty and increase employment opportunities.
"We hope this sewing training will serve as a gateway for participants to become economically independent. With the skills they have acquired, they can start their own businesses or work in the ever-growing fashion sector," said Restuardy in a press release received by the editorial team on Monday (August 4, 2025).
Furthermore, he also encouraged that local potentials, such as the Palembang songket fabric, be developed by participants into creative products with high market value.
Government and Community Synergy: The Key to Program Success
- The closing of the training was attended by various key figures, including:
- Metty Herindra as the Head of the New Entrepreneurship Division of Dekranas,
- Dewi Sastrani Ratu Dewa, Chairperson of Dekranasda Palembang City,
- Representatives from the Central TP PKK,
- The management of Dekranas and Dekranasda of South Sumatra Province,
- As well as the creative team from Dian Pelangi, known for developing fashion based on traditional fabrics.
A total of 25 participants took part in this training in full until completion. They received practical sewing lessons, insights into the local fashion industry, and strategies for building small businesses based on their skills.
Focus on Long-Term Impact and Sustainability
The Ministry of Home Affairs emphasized that this program does not stop at technical training but will be followed by ongoing mentoring and guidance. The goal is to ensure that participants’ skills are not merely temporary but serve as long-term assets for building businesses and improving their families’ economic conditions.
"We believe that successful development is the result of cross-sector collaboration between the government, business actors, and community organizations. Programs like this are a tangible manifestation of an inclusive and sustainable development approach," added Restuardy.
Sewing the Future: Building the Local Economy Through Creativity
With the implementation of this Sewing Technical Guidance (Bimtek) program, the government hopes to see the growth of more new entrepreneurs in the creative economy sector, particularly those who can highlight local cultural identity as an added value to their products.
This program is an important part of efforts to build a people-centered economic ecosystem while expanding public access to vocational training that has a direct impact on welfare.
