The Village’s Economy Grows More Attractive with Ikat Weaving

The majority of women in one East Sumba village are weavers. Sumba’s typical woven fabrics are local materials with great economic potential. However, as a BUMDes unit began to develop in the village, ikat weaving was not considered as a major business unit and only considered for a retail kiosk. Unfortunately, the BUMDes became stuck and suffered financial losses. 

Jhoni, as the head of the village, was aware that the BUMDes could not bear to lose more money. He found a solution to advance BUMDes after attending a series of training facilitated by the ENVISION program, funded by European Union (EU). He became aware of the realities of excluding women led business units. He also identified local economic potential from ikat weaving made by women and its usefulness for BUMDes and community prosperity. 

“The weaving group in our village is facing capital problems. The village government tried to accommodate this problem because I realized the potential and creativity of the women in the village. Currently, the BUMDes also has great opportunities to improve the economy, so I support these two elements as best as I can,” said Jhoni. 

Jhoni and other village government officials are increasingly aware that BUMDes is here to enhance their village economy and support village wellbeing. Therefore, the selected business unit should come from local economic potential. In addition, just like any other trading business, the products must be unique and available for sales in good quality. Often, these kinds of products are made by the people in the village, for example, woven fabric. 

“Currently, there are 54 pieces of woven fabrics collected at BUMDes, 20 of which were sold for a total price of more than IDR 14,000,000. From the proceeds of the sale, IDR 5,000,000 has contributed to Village Local Revenue. The sales of these woven fabrics have enhanced BUMDes. The economic turnover is running well in the village. In the future, BUMDes can support coloring materials for weaving groups in the village,” said Ndapa Hudang, Director of BUMDes. 

The group of women weavers in the village have also gained benefits. Their needs for threads, looms, dyes, and other materials were met by the village government. The production of woven fabrics has increased and 10 weaving groups have been formed in the village. “Before working with BUMDes, there were only one or two groups of weavers because we can only sell products in a traditional market. But after the BUMDes was established, marketing our product is also easier because the staff at BUMDes helped us to market our products digitally and creatively so more people know our products,” said Lusiana, a member of the weaving group in the village. 

Lusiana further explained that BUMDes also helps women weavers to be as creative as possible to get the best quality of woven fabrics. The weavers are encouraged to no longer make mediocre quality woven fabrics. 

“The partnership with BUMDes has helped us to earn money for paying school tuition fees for our children. The money is also used for fulfilling our daily needs. I contribute to earn income for my family,” said Lusiana. BUMDes that care for local potentials are able to empower women in the village so that they can contribute to enhancing the family’s economy. 

When BUMDes administrators are keen to see the potential that exists in the community and are bridged properly by the village government, good synergy emerges between these parties. Unproductive BUMDes will be revived and start to generate profits. The community is also connected with business units that aim to enhance village prosperity. The economic cycle in the village runs smoothly and benefits children and families. 

Author: ENVISION Project team member in East Sumba 

Editor: Mariana Kurniawati (Communication Executive)