BNPP Enhances Competitiveness of Belu NTT Tie-Dye Weaving, Sharpens Border MSME Human Resources

The National Border Management Agency of the Republic of Indonesia (BNPP), through the Assistant Deputy for Land Border Area Potential (Assistant Deputy PKPD), held a Human Resource Capacity Enhancement activity. This event targeted micro-entrepreneurs in the tie-dye weaving sector in the Motaain State Border Crossing Post (PLBN) area, Belu Regency, Nusa Tenggara Timur Province (NTT), over two days on 14-15 April 2026. The activity forms part of BNPP’s efforts to promote economic self-reliance among border communities through enhancing the capacity of MSMEs based on local potential. The training focused on strengthening technical skills and creativity among tie-dye weavers to produce independent products with added value and competitiveness. BNPP RI Assistant Deputy PKPD, Brigadier General TNI Topri Daeng Balaw, representing Deputy for Border Area Potential Management, Inspector General of Police Edfrie R Maith, emphasised that the training implements the mandate of President RI Prabowo Subianto. This is outlined in the sixth Asta Cita, namely building from villages and from the bottom for economic equality and poverty eradication. “We are organising this training to improve skills and encourage economic growth in border communities. The hope is that their capabilities will increase, giving them superior expertise and products with greater value,” said Topri in a written statement on Wednesday (15/4/2026). Topri explained that the training materials covered natural dyeing techniques and yarn drying, development of distinctive Belu weaving motifs, and sewing derivative products made from weaving materials such as wallets. Through strengthening the tie-dye weaving sector, BNPP encourages artisans to be more creative, improve fabric quality, and process it into derivative products like bags, wallets, and clothing. “This two-day training does not end here. BNPP RI will promote ongoing mentoring up to marketing aspects, so that products are truly ready to compete and directly impact income growth for border communities,” stated Topri. The activity was supported by cross-sector collaboration with several strategic partners, including BAZNAS, Pertamina Foundation, Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI), and the local government (Pemda), as an effort to strengthen the MSME ecosystem in border areas. Meanwhile, the Head of PLBN Motaain, Maria Fatima Rika, appreciated BNPP’s initiative in making PLBN a centre for developing tie-dye weaving artisan capacity. According to Maria, the role of PLBN is not only as a cross-border service hub but also as a driver of local economy. “PLBN is the front porch of the state. In line with BNPP RI’s directives, its presence must provide direct economic impact for surrounding communities,” said Maria. Maria hopes that human resource strengthening through this training will elevate Belu Tie-Dye Weaving not only as cultural heritage but also as a resilient business commodity. “With superior human resources, Belu Tie-Dye Weaving is expected to penetrate border markets up to Timor Leste,” said Maria. Through human resource capacity enhancement and superior MSMEs based on local potential, BNPP affirms its efforts to bring inclusive and sustainable economic development to border areas, in line with national policy directions in strengthening welfare for communities from the fringes.