KARIMUN -- The rich local potential of Kundur Island in Karimun Regency, Riau Islands Province, is reflected not only in its natural resources but also in the creativity of its people in developing cultural products. One example is TINS Batik Kundur, a community initiative that provides a platform for local residents to showcase the island's unique identity through batik textiles.
PT TIMAH (Persero) Tbk supports the development of TINS Batik Kundur as part of its efforts to promote local potential while empowering communities. Through this program, residents not only receive training in batik-making techniques but are also encouraged to develop creative businesses that generate economic value.
The TINS Batik Kundur development program began with batik-making training facilitated by PT TIMAH in 2025. The training involved residents from several villages on Kundur Island, with each of the six participating villages sending two representatives to take part in the program.
One of the program's beneficiaries and a member of TINS Batik Kundur, Sumiati, a resident of Gemuruh Village, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to learn and develop batik-making skills through the PT TIMAH-supported initiative.
Sumiati, who has approximately four years of sewing experience, said that learning batik-making has been a new experience that has opened opportunities for her to expand her creativity while generating additional income.
"PT TIMAH has provided us with the necessary support. It all started with training in 2025. Now, we continue learning and developing our batik products. We usually gather to make batik every Saturday," she said.
According to Sumiati, their batik-making activities have begun to produce encouraging results. Several pieces of batik fabric and clothing created by the group have already been purchased by customers. This positive response has motivated the artisans to continue producing their work.
"Thankfully, people have started buying our batik fabrics and clothing. That makes us even more enthusiastic. Sometimes, we can complete the canting process in just one day," she explained.
Beyond producing batik products, the initiative also provides opportunities for artisans to share their skills with other community members. Sumiati hopes to pass on the knowledge and experience she has gained so that more residents can participate in creative economic activities.
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She believes that as batik-making skills continue to develop and more people become involved, the benefits will extend beyond group members and help stimulate the local economy.
The development of TINS Batik Kundur also incorporates the island's distinctive natural and cultural characteristics into its batik patterns. Some of the motifs developed include snails, female snails, sagu perayun, fish, Kundur flowers, jong, and shrimp.
These motifs serve as distinctive features that set TINS Batik Kundur apart. Through the creations of local artisans, the island's natural heritage and local wisdom are expected to gain wider recognition.
Currently, the artisan group has developed batik-making techniques using traditional canting tools and stamping methods. They also hope to introduce ecoprint techniques as their next product innovation, although additional support is still needed to ensure the availability of materials.
In addition to providing training, PT TIMAH supports production needs, including fabrics and dyes. The company has also facilitated the group's participation in exhibitions in Karimun as part of efforts to introduce TINS Batik Kundur products to a wider audience and expand marketing opportunities.
Arman, Chairman of the TINS Batik Kundur Group, expressed his appreciation for the assistance and support provided by PT TIMAH. He hopes the ongoing guidance and assistance will continue so that TINS Batik Kundur can grow further.
According to him, the group's marketing reach still needs to be expanded so that Kundur's distinctive batik products become known not only among local residents but also among consumers beyond Kundur Island.
"We hope Kundur batik will become more widely recognized, not only by people on Kundur Island but also by communities outside the island. Hopefully, our group will continue to grow in the future," he said.
He added that the group plans to continue exploring other batik-making techniques, such as ecoprint, to diversify its products. He also hopes PT TIMAH will continue providing guidance and support to help members improve their batik-making skills.
More than simply producing batik fabrics, PT TIMAH's initiative to support TINS Batik Kundur is expected to serve as a meaningful step toward preserving local cultural heritage while creating added economic value that can provide sustainable benefits to the community. (*)
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