Preserving Aceh's Kasab Embroidery Tradition Alongside BRI Group's Ultra Micro Holding

Amidst modernisation and the massive influx of mass-produced goods, traditional crafts face significant challenges in survival. The lengthy production process, requiring specialised skills and meticulous precision, means not everyone is willing to carry on the tradition.

However, for some, maintaining traditional crafts is about more than just sustaining a livelihood; it is about preserving cultural heritage, local skills, and regional identity for future generations. This is the spirit upheld by Asra, a 63-year-old woman from Kuala Baru, Aceh. Since 1990, she has consistently pursued the Kasab embroidery business, a unique craft made by hand through a complex and patient process.

“Initially, this business stemmed from the Kasab thread embroidery culture, which is a tradition in our region. Because the production process is quite long and requires precision, many residents gradually began to prefer buying Kasab bead embroidery rather than making it themselves,” Asra stated in a written release on Sunday (20/09/2026).

Recognising this demand, Asra began offering her expertise by accepting orders from house to house. Her embroidery skills, which she initially practised alongside her duties as a housewife, eventually grew into a business that supports her family’s economy. What began as a service for the local community has expanded, with Asra’s Kasab bead embroidery now marketed across various regions in Aceh.

The production of Kasab bead embroidery is not simple. Every product is handmade and requires specialised skills. The thread tension must be applied carefully to ensure the resulting pattern looks neat. The work cannot be rushed, as precision and patience are vital; a single mistake in one section can affect the entire piece.

“The uniqueness of this business lies in its complex production process. Every thread pull requires extra precision and patience. It cannot be done in a hurry because every part must be crafted carefully to ensure a neat and beautiful result,” she explained.

Asra’s long business journey faced capital constraints. In 2020, she became a client of PNM Mekaar to obtain the additional capital needed to run and expand her business. This financing was used to meet production needs, including purchasing larger quantities of materials. With more adequate capital, Asra was able to increase production capacity and accept more orders.

“Alhamdulillah, the additional capital helped me continue the business and meet production needs,” she said.

In addition to financing, Asra received assistance in the form of training regarding Kasab thread held in Kuala Baru. This training enhanced her knowledge and skills in managing her craft business. As production capacity increased, the impact of the business was also felt by the surrounding community. Asra has been able to create job opportunities, allowing other residents to earn additional income from Kasab bead embroidery production.

What began as a business to help meet family needs is now providing broader economic benefits. Simultaneously, the presence of these artisans helps ensure that embroidery skills remain alive within the Kuala Baru community.

Asra’s story illustrates how access to finance, accompanied by empowerment, can have a wider impact on ultra-micro entrepreneurs. This effort aligns with the spirit of the Ultra Micro (UMi) Holding, which integrates the strengths of BRI as the holding parent alongside Pegadaian and PNM. Since its formation in 2021, the UMi Holding is designed to expand and deepen access to financial services for the public, particularly the ultra-micro segment, through an ecosystem that combines financing, savings, transactions, and business empowerment and mentoring.

BRI Corporate Secretary, Dhanny, stated that empowerment is a vital part of building a sustainable ultra-micro ecosystem.

“Through the Ultra Micro Holding, we want to ensure that financial access serves as a gateway to broader empowerment. Entrepreneurs like Ibu Asra demonstrate that when access to financing is paired with mentoring and the drive to grow, ultra-micro businesses can provide benefits that extend far beyond the business owners themselves,” said Dhanny.

For Asra, this support is part of a long journey of preserving Kasab embroidery for over three decades. Amidst changing times, every piece produced serves not only as a source of livelihood for her family and the local community but also ensures that Aceh’s traditional skills remain alive and recognised by future generations.