· News, CSR and the Environment
PTBA’s Fostered MSE SIBA Rajut’s Study Visit to Pati for Competence Improvement
To enhance the capacity of fostered Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA) invited SIBA Rajut to undertake a comparative study at Syam's Handicraft Gallery, a renowned woven craft business in Pati, Central Java.
The visit, held on February 19-20, 2025, aimed to broaden the knowledge and insights of SIBA Rajut members in the weaving industry. They were invited to observe firsthand how simple weaving techniques can be transformed into high-value products, while empowering hundreds of women in the local community.
The SIBA Rajut group was invited to explore a diverse collection of traditional woven items that have made their way into both national and international markets. During the visit, participants also had the opportunity to witness firsthand the weaving process carried out by 400 local women artisans.
The journey continued with a visit to the workshop and UMKM exhibition in Semarang City, where participants gained valuable insights directly from Syam's Handicraft Gallery, which has grown into the largest weaving business in Central Java.
Villy Villya, Head of SIBA Rajut, expressed her gratitude and appreciation to PTBA for providing the valuable opportunity to learn at Syam's Gallery.
"The visit to Syam's Handicraft Gallery offered us invaluable lessons. We witnessed firsthand how passion, perseverance, and innovation can elevate a weaving business. Syam's Handicraft Gallery is not only successful in producing high-quality products but also serves as an inspiration in empowering women and preserving culture. It’s a testament to the great potential for growth in community-based creative industries," said Villy.
Furthermore, she added that this experience has motivated SIBA Rajut to continue innovating, developing products, and enhancing quality and competitiveness in broader markets.
From Syam's Handicraft Gallery, Villy said that SIBA Rajut learned about the story behind each weave, the role of innovation, and the importance of women's empowerment and economic independence."
"We are truly inspired and hope to apply the knowledge we've gained to advance SIBA Rajut, not only locally but also by expanding into wider markets, even internationally," she said.
Through Sustainable Energy, PTBA continues to focus on empowering communities by developing MSMEs, expanding employment opportunities, and strengthening the economic structure. This effort aligns with the government's Asta Cita, particularly point 3, which emphasizes the creation of quality employment opportunities and the promotion of entrepreneurship.
Bukit Asam Industrial Center (SIBA) Rajut is an MSME fostered by PTBA, consisting of 15 housewives from villages around PTBA’s operational area.
Originally focused on knitting shopping bags, these housewives have now expanded to creating ombre yarn and various other handicrafts. Ombre yarn, which is knitted into eight strands with multiple colors, has become SIBA Rajut's flagship product. The handcrafted items produced include small wallets, bags, prayer mats, tissue holders, cap, tablecloths, and more.
SIBA Rajut's products are sold both directly and online, with collaboration through the PaDi UMKM marketplace. Additionally, PTBA frequently includes SIBA Rajut in exhibitions at both local and national levels.
The visit, held on February 19-20, 2025, aimed to broaden the knowledge and insights of SIBA Rajut members in the weaving industry. They were invited to observe firsthand how simple weaving techniques can be transformed into high-value products, while empowering hundreds of women in the local community.
The SIBA Rajut group was invited to explore a diverse collection of traditional woven items that have made their way into both national and international markets. During the visit, participants also had the opportunity to witness firsthand the weaving process carried out by 400 local women artisans.
The journey continued with a visit to the workshop and UMKM exhibition in Semarang City, where participants gained valuable insights directly from Syam's Handicraft Gallery, which has grown into the largest weaving business in Central Java.
Villy Villya, Head of SIBA Rajut, expressed her gratitude and appreciation to PTBA for providing the valuable opportunity to learn at Syam's Gallery.
"The visit to Syam's Handicraft Gallery offered us invaluable lessons. We witnessed firsthand how passion, perseverance, and innovation can elevate a weaving business. Syam's Handicraft Gallery is not only successful in producing high-quality products but also serves as an inspiration in empowering women and preserving culture. It’s a testament to the great potential for growth in community-based creative industries," said Villy.
Furthermore, she added that this experience has motivated SIBA Rajut to continue innovating, developing products, and enhancing quality and competitiveness in broader markets.
From Syam's Handicraft Gallery, Villy said that SIBA Rajut learned about the story behind each weave, the role of innovation, and the importance of women's empowerment and economic independence."
"We are truly inspired and hope to apply the knowledge we've gained to advance SIBA Rajut, not only locally but also by expanding into wider markets, even internationally," she said.
Through Sustainable Energy, PTBA continues to focus on empowering communities by developing MSMEs, expanding employment opportunities, and strengthening the economic structure. This effort aligns with the government's Asta Cita, particularly point 3, which emphasizes the creation of quality employment opportunities and the promotion of entrepreneurship.
Bukit Asam Industrial Center (SIBA) Rajut is an MSME fostered by PTBA, consisting of 15 housewives from villages around PTBA’s operational area.
Originally focused on knitting shopping bags, these housewives have now expanded to creating ombre yarn and various other handicrafts. Ombre yarn, which is knitted into eight strands with multiple colors, has become SIBA Rajut's flagship product. The handcrafted items produced include small wallets, bags, prayer mats, tissue holders, cap, tablecloths, and more.
SIBA Rajut's products are sold both directly and online, with collaboration through the PaDi UMKM marketplace. Additionally, PTBA frequently includes SIBA Rajut in exhibitions at both local and national levels.
