PANGKALPINANG -- DPD Indonesian Creative Srikandi Association (Persikindo) Bangka Belitung Islands Province collaborated with PT Timah Tbk to hold ecoprint training for inmates at the Pangkalpinang Class III Women's Prison, Tuesday (3/10/2023).
Ecoprint training carried out by PT Timah Tbk together with Persikindo as an effort to increase the skills of the target residents. So that in the future they will have new skills and develop an entrepreneurial spirit after leaving prison.
This is the second time that PT Timah Tbk together with Persikindo Babel have held ecoprint training, after last year also providing training for MSMEs in Pangkalpinang,
This Ecoprint training is also in the context of Persikindo's 1st Anniversary which carries the theme 'Raising the Value and Dignity of Women to Advance and Have a Pancasila Economic Insight'. This activity was also attended by various women's organizations in Babylon such as Bhayangkari, BKOW. As well as CSR representatives of PT Timah Tbk, represented by the Head of PUMK, Sindu and Representatives of Bank Indonesia Babel, were also present at this activity.
Prison inmates seemed enthusiastic about practicing making various ecoprint products from pashmina fabrics and headscarves. Ecoprint is known as the process of creating fabric with patterns originating from fresh, native plants and leaves so that it is environmentally friendly and does not cause water, air or soil pollution.
Chairman of Persikindo Babel, Insnawati Hadi, said that this ecoprint training was Persikindo's effort to support the empowerment of women's groups, especially inmates at the Pangkalpinang Class III Women's Prison.
Ecoprint, he said, is a craft that is currently quite popular but not yet widely available in Babylon. In fact, he said, this is an opportunity to make new souvenirs, especially since Babylon is a tourist destination.
"This activity is not only ceremonial but strategic to encourage inmates to have new skills in terms of ecoprinting, moreover, this is a business opportunity. This is Persikindo's effort to support the women's economy in improving the quality of national life," he said.
He hopes that after this training the inmates can become productive, innovative and creative beginner entrepreneurs to improve the family economy.
"We appreciate PT Timah Tbk for supporting the implementation of ecoprint training for assisted residents. This is the second time we have collaborated with PT Timah Tbk to carry out this activity." he said.
Meanwhile, Head of Pangkalpinang Class III Women's Prison, Hani Anggraeni, said that his party was proud because their inmates were able to gain new skills with this training. Currently, he said, there are 113 inmates being trained by their prisons.
According to him, his party also provides guidance and improves the skills of the inmates, but this is the first time ecoprint has been implemented and they are very enthusiastic.
"We would like to thank Persikindo and PT Timah Tbk, this activity is certainly beneficial for the assisted residents. We hope this can be sustainable. I also advise the assisted residents that they should take advantage of this opportunity to learn well, so they can have new skills," he said .
Head of Corporate Communications at PT Timah Tbk, Anggi Siahaan, said that PT Timah Tbk together with elements of society have a shared responsibility in supporting the MSME-based people's economic movement that is innovative, progressive and highly competitive.
"As a corporation whose business circle is in direct contact with nature, we really appreciate innovation as well as substance
this training. "This activity is also in line with PT Timah Tbk's corporate social responsibility or CSR blueprint," he said.
PT Timah Tbk, he said, also facilitates MSMEs to market their products, such as at the Tins Gallery and often invites fostered partners to promote their products in various exhibitions.
One of the training participants, FF, said he was very happy to take part in this training because he learned many new things. He can make patterned cloth with leaves and plants.
"It's exciting, this is easier than making canting batik, the process doesn't take too long and of course this is a first for me. So I can learn a lot from the instructor, practice the method directly. And I'm thinking about trying it again," he said.
Secretary of the Bangka Belitung Cooperatives and MSMEs Service, Riza Aryani, appreciated the concrete steps taken by PT Timah Tbk and Persikindo Babel in supporting the movement of MSMEs, creating budding entrepreneurs so that they could boost the economy of Babel.
"We are proud because Persikindo and PT Timah Tbk have trained the inmates so that they can have skills to develop their economy. So that they can apply this after they leave here," he said. (*)
