Kolaka and Antam Train MSMEs to Develop Rajut and Mantik Fabric
The Cooperatives and MSMEs Office of Kolaka Regency, together with state-owned enterprise PT Aneka Tambang Tbk (ANTAM) UBP Nikel Kolaka, has conducted training for micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) actors to develop knitted rope and mantik fabric products in Kolaka Regency, Southeast Sulawesi.
Head of the Kolaka Cooperatives and MSMEs Office, Agus Salim Pamus, stated on Wednesday that the training was attended by 30 participants from Pomalaa and Kolaka sub-districts and took place over three weeks at the Huko-Huko Hall within the PT ANTAM UBP Nikel Kolaka complex.
“The materials provided include natural dyeing techniques, the development of motifs for the distinctive Kolaka mantik fabric, and the creation of derivative products from knitted rope such as bags, wallets, and accessories,” Agus Salim said.
He noted that the programme aims to strengthen the capacity of MSME actors so that local products have higher competitiveness.
“This collaboration is important to encourage local products to be highly competitive, both in the digital market and the national tourism market. We hope this activity continues and the products we are training for can enter these markets,” he stated.
He explained that the training’s focus on female artisans is expected to enhance creativity while opening up sustainable business opportunities. The participants’ work will be promoted through an exhibition in Makassar, South Sulawesi, as a follow-up to the programme.
One participant from Pomalaa District, Amanda Lusiana, admitted she was greatly helped by the training, particularly in understanding natural dyeing techniques and developing mantik fabric motifs to look more modern while still maintaining Kolaka’s distinctive characteristics.
She hopes the product development training for mantik fabric and knitted rope will continue, with further mentoring so that the knitted bags and fabrics they produce can be marketed consistently.
Meanwhile, Kolaka Region CSR & ER Sub Division Head of PT ANTAM UBP Nikel Kolaka, Muhammad Rusdan, said the training is part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, which is oriented towards enhancing the community’s economic capacity.
“This mantik fabric and knitted rope training is one of PT ANTAM’s CSR programmes to provide opportunities for women interested in weaving and knitting to improve their skills and produce more innovative and highly creative products with commercial value,” Rusdan said.