TP PKK Chairperson Visits Motaain Border Post, Encourages Border SMEs to Level Up
The Motaain State Border Post (PLBN), managed by the Indonesian National Border Management Agency (BNPP), received a visit from Tri Tito Karnavian, Chairperson of the Central Family Empowerment and Welfare Movement Team (TP PKK), on Wednesday (15/4). This visit serves as concrete support for the development of micro-enterprises based on local potential in the border area, particularly the ikat weaving sector characteristic of Belu.
The visit coincided with the implementation of a Human Resources (HR) Capacity Enhancement Training for ikat weaving micro-entrepreneurs, facilitated by the Assistant Deputy for Land Border Area Potential (Asdep PKPD) of BNPP RI. This programme is directed towards strengthening the economic independence of border communities through improvements in production quality, skills, and the competitiveness of SMEs based on local wisdom.
As part of the agenda at PLBN Motaain, Tri Tito and her entourage directly inspected the ikat weaving production process, from thread dyeing, pattern making, weaving, to product sewing. This activity provides a comprehensive overview of the value chain of the weaving business run by border communities.
As a form of appreciation and support, Tri Tito handed over SME business capital assistance in the form of seven sewing machines and 50 food aid packages to the community around PLBN Motaain. This assistance is expected to encourage increased productivity while strengthening the sustainability of the artisans’ businesses.
The entourage also inspected the service facilities area at PLBN Motaain to directly observe the role of the PLBN not only as a state gateway but also as a nexus of social and economic activities for border communities.
Irjen Pol. Edfrie R. Maith, Deputy for Border Area Potential Management at BNPP RI, stated that strengthening SMEs based on local wisdom is an important strategy in building economic independence in border areas. According to him, synergy between TP PKK, local government, and PLBN managers will accelerate improvements in HR quality and expand market access for local products.
“PLBN serves as a showcase for superior border potential. With proper mentoring, ikat weaving SMEs have great opportunities to level up and compete,” he said in a written statement on Thursday (16/4/2026).
Meanwhile, Maria Fatima Rika, Head of PLBN Motaain, expressed appreciation for the visit and attention given by the Central TP PKK Chairperson to the border community.
“We express our thanks for the visit by the Central TP PKK Chairperson and her entourage. This presence and support become great motivation for SME actors, especially ikat weaving artisans, to continue improving the quality and selling value of their products,” she said.
Rika also assessed that the training and assistance provided align with PLBN Motaain’s efforts to drive local economic growth. She hopes that such cross-sector synergies can be sustained so that border communities become increasingly independent and competitive.
Furthermore, this visit affirms the role of PLBN Motaain as a driving centre for border area development, as well as a showcase for local potential ready to be developed into a new economic strength for the people of Belu and surrounding areas.
For information, during the visit, Tri Tito was accompanied by Deputy for Border Area Potential Management, Irjen Pol. Edfrie R. Maith, Assistant Deputy PKPD BNPP RI Brigjen TNI Topri Daeng Balaw, Chairperson of Belu Regency TP PKK, Deputy Chairperson of Belu Regency TP PKK, Head of PLBN Motaain, and local Forkopimda elements.