Implementing Go Modern and Go Digital Coaching, Pertamina Encourages Fostered MSMEs to Preserve Banjar Ethnic Cloth

Jakarta, November 24, 2020 - PT Pertamina (Persero), through its Partnership Program, fully encourages the effort to preserve local culture into MSMEs products that Go Modern and Go digital. Therefore, the products can be special regional items known by people while opening work opportunities for people around the area.

One example was done by Pertamina's Fostered Partners, Aya Sofia. The owner of Kinday Limpuar Sasirangan, based in Gambut Village, Gambut District, Banjar Region, South Kalimantan, only just started her business. However, her knowledge and expertise in processing Sasirangan cloth no need to doubt. "I already have sewing and drawing skills. Finally, 2017 began to be interested and serious about starting this business," said Sofia.

This expertise was immediately applied to produce Sasirangan fabrics. This ethnic cloth motif from the Banjar tribe has a jelujur or vertical stripes from top to bottom that extend. Natural objects in South Kalimantan form the basis for this motif image. "The whole community can use each motive without any differences and violations of the customs of the Banjar Tribe," she added.

Sofia said Sasirangan itself comes from the Banjar language word, which is sirang, meaning to baste. The motif is made with stitches using the jelujur technique. Then baste is pulled or scanned so that the dye does not enter the pattern. "This is the uniqueness of the Sasirangan fabric. The motif is obtained from cloth that is not stained," said Sofia.

After that is the finishing process, the cloth is dyed 2-3 times, then rinsed and dried in the sun. The fabric is ready to be displayed and used for various fashion fashions. Sofia has set product prices ranging from IDR 100 thousand to IDR 800 thousand at most. "The selling price of the product differs depending on the type of fabric. There are cotton, silk, and primissima fabrics. The complexity of the motifs, there are classic motifs and modern motifs. As well as coloring, using natural and synthetic dyes," explained Sofia.

With this price benchmark, Sofia can empower the surrounding community to help with its production. There are at least two permanent employees and five freelancers who help him every day. They are neighbors around Sofia's house, where the majority are housewives.

In terms of marketing, the sales reach of his Sasirangan products is quite broad—both around the South Kalimantan region itself and various regions in Indonesia. The media used are also quite diverse. Starting from word of mouth marketing to several Go Digital efforts through social media @sasirangankindaylimpuar, especially since becoming Pertamina's fostered partner. People increasingly recognize her products.

"Since becoming Pertamina's assistance in 2018. Kinday Limpuar Sasirangan has become known; we have met more and more acquaintances and relationships. Loan capital can be used optimally. I am very grateful to Pertamina for this assistance," she said.

Sofia hopes that the business she is engaged in can continue to grow under Pertamina's guidance. Especially the target is to go global. She is introducing Kalimantan culture, namely Sasirangan cloth, to the international arena. That way, it can help promote Indonesian culture to be more recognized by other nations.

Acting Vice President of Corporate Communication of Pertamina, Heppy Wulansari, appreciated Sofia's steps. According to her, one of the goals of MSMEs is to create employment and economic equality from the smallest level. "The concept of a sociopreneur-based business can help the government's efforts to alleviate poverty in Indonesia and become an economic hero," said Heppy.

Pertamina will also help MSMEs to upgrade to superior and independent MSMEs through several stages. Such as helping obtain business permits or other certificates so that MSMEs can advance to class and independently. "This is an implementation of the Goal 8 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is hoped that it can help people get jobs and encourage national economic growth," concluded Heppy.**