Who doesn't know the beauty of the distinctive fabric of the Dayak tribe? TRUST and the local women beneficiaries utilize this ethnic cloth to create beautiful bags depicting the Dayak people's cultural richness.
The sound of sewing machines fills the room as a group of women earnestly completes each stitch on the vibrant and captivating ethnic fabric pieces. They are participating in a sewing training program organized by TRUST as part of a Community Development Program to advance its members' skills and creative works while preserving the unique Dayak fabric.
Initially, this sewing group only possessed basic skills acquired from previous training organized by BEK. However, those skills needed to be improved as there was high competition among sewing groups in other villages, many of which were managed by various companies. Consequently, their income was insignificant since most women and teenagers could only sew clothes.
In light of this situation, the Community Development Program (PPM) team of TRUST recognized the need for the group to enhance their skills in other areas, such as crafting Central Kalimantan ethnic bags as a specialized product. Thus, training is set up which aims to provide new skills, increase participants' income, and address marketing challenges.
Comprehensive Materials
The training is designed to involve participants directly in the bag-making process, covering patternmaking, adhesive systems, stitching, and ways to enhance bag design creativity. They are also taught how to determine the essential cost of bags, understand the market, and how to photograph their products. The training materials are well-designed to ensure participants gain a thorough understanding from basic to advanced levels.
"This training combines theory with hands-on practice," says Bu Ita, the training instructor and a craftsman specializing in Sasirangan Banjar bags from Rabita Tas. "In the end, participants are expected to create market-ready bags," she adds.
The training lasts for 35 hours, during which participants are expected to complete the production of five bags with different designs. The types of bags taught include Office Bags, Tote bags Genbi, Halfmoon, Backpacks, and Waistbags.
Anyone can participate in this training as long as they meet specific requirements, such as being part of the sewing group under TRUST, possessing basic sewing skills, committing to teach or lead in bag-making for participants who have not had the opportunity, submitting two bag-making projects, and committing to produce and sell bags either personally or through TRUST-BEK product outlets at M. Sidiq Muara Teweh Airport. Additionally, participants are required to sell the bags at the group's standard price.
Full Support Facilities
The training provides special sewing machines for making bags, hole punchers, adhesive press machines, and other supporting equipment. Furthermore, special bag-making sewing machines will be prepared for further production after the training. Participants are also provided with skills and design patterns for sewing bags, marketing training, and continuous consultation channels.
After the training, the company provides various conveniences, such as sewing machines, product creation equipment, and materials as initial capital for the women. This enables them to produce ready-to-sell items quickly. The company has also provided sales outlets for their products.
This training holds significant meaning for the women beneficiaries of TRUST, as it opens new opportunities in the sewing field and has promising market prospects. Moreover, the women can now innovate and produce ethnic bags with good market value and price while preserving their local culture.
"This is not just a training, but also an effort to preserve the Dayak fabric culture," says Bu Debora Yoanda Kiki from TRUST PPM. "We invite anyone interested to buy these 'Bueh Bahalap' bags," she adds.
If you are interested in supporting this program, contact the TRUST PPM officers or purchase at the TRUST-BEK SME gallery at M. Sidiq Muara Teweh Airport or via phone at 081345580041.
Through this program, PT TRUST aims to foster self-reliance and encourage innovation within the community. Sewing is not just about stitching fabric; it's also about weaving hope for a better future.
