KARIMUN -- PT TIMAH (Persero) Tbk continues to demonstrate its commitment to encouraging community economic empowerment through the development of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). One of these efforts is the inauguration of a Batik House on Kundur Island, Karimun Regency.
The Batik House established by PT TIMAH serves as a space for MSME players to develop their creativity, improve product quality, and expand the market reach of their work.
In addition to being a production center, the Batik House will also function as a space for mentoring and collaboration among creative entrepreneurs in the area, as well as a place to market their products.
Previously, PT TIMAH had also conducted ecoprint batik training for dozens of participants in Karimun Regency as part of its efforts to support batik artisans and empower community groups.
Coordinator of the Kundur Island MSME and Creative Community, Faridah Hanum, welcomed the presence of the PT TIMAH-assisted Batik House. According to her, this facility represents a concrete step by the company in supporting local business players to grow and develop.
She explained that previously, several MSME players in Kundur had participated in various training programs involving batik artisans and creative economy actors from Karimun Regency. From these activities, the idea emerged to create a shared space where business players could continue to develop their skills and products.
“After the training, there was a desire for the activities not to stop there, but to have a shared space that could be used together. Alhamdulillah, with support from PT TIMAH, we now have a Batik House that serves as a place to gather and create for MSME players,” she said.
Currently, around 10 MSME players from Kundur Island are involved in activities at the Batik House. In the future, the number is expected to grow so that more people can benefit from this facility to develop their businesses.
Not only focusing on batik development, the PT TIMAH Batik House also opens opportunities for other MSME players to enhance creativity in various fields such as culinary arts, handicrafts, and product packaging innovation.
Faridah noted that PT TIMAH’s support for MSMEs in the Kundur area has been significant. According to her, the company not only provides assistance but also encourages business players to improve product quality so they can compete in broader markets.
“PT TIMAH doesn’t just provide assistance, but also encourages us to continuously improve product quality, from design to packaging. Hopefully, MSMEs in Kundur can truly move up to the next level,” she said.
In the future, the Batik House is also expected to become a collaborative space for creative economy players across the Riau Islands, including the development of batik motifs combined with traditional local weaving, along with support from local designers and tailors.
