Ecoprint, Ide Bisnis Menjanjikan | Halo Indonesia

Summary

In Lubuk Kertang, Langkat, North Sumatra, a group of women led by Camelia has formed the Watama Women's Farmers Group, focusing on creating eco-friendly products using natural dyes. The initiative, born in 2020, empowers women from diverse backgrounds, including farmers, traders, and housewives, by teaching them sustainable practices through the 'ekoprin' technique. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the group continued production from home, boosting local economies and promoting environmental sustainability. The group's efforts not only foster financial independence but also demonstrate the power of women supporting each other and preserving nature.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 'Watama' or 'Women Tani Mandiri' group was established in 2020 in Lubuk Kertang village, Langkat, North Sumatra, as a platform for women from various professions to come together.
• 😀 The group, led by Camelia, produces eco-friendly products using a technique called 'ekoprin,' which was learned through training from the Faculty of Forestry at the University of North Sumatra.
• 😀 The pandemic led to the closure of the Mangrove Tourism site in the village, but the group was able to continue their work from home, maintaining their production of eco-friendly dyes.
• 😀 Ekoprin products are made using natural dyes derived from plants such as bayam merah (red spinach), kenikir, tengker kayu (wooden stem), bakau (mangrove), secang, nereh, and robbal n.
• 😀 These natural dyes are not only eco-friendly but also produce vibrant colors comparable to synthetic dyes.
• 😀 The group packages the natural dyes in recycled bottles and sells them to the Indonesian Ekoprin Association, with each bottle priced at around Rp20,000.
• 😀 Sales from the eco-friendly dye products help improve the economic situation of the members' families, making a positive impact on their livelihoods.
• 😀 The members learn valuable skills in combining colors and designs, which helps enhance their creativity and improve the quality of their products.
• 😀 The group members express hope that their products will increase in value, allowing them to potentially export their products in the future.
• 😀 The group's activities exemplify the empowerment of women, demonstrating that they can support each other, be self-reliant, and protect the environment by utilizing natural resources available to them.

Q & A

What is *Wata* and what role does it play in the village of Lubuk Kertang?

Wata is a group of women from various professional backgrounds, including farmers, traders, and housewives, who come together to create eco-friendly products. The group plays a key role in empowering women, promoting sustainability, and boosting the local economy in Lubuk Kertang, North Sumatra.

What is *ekoprin* and how did the women of Wata learn this technique?

*Ekoprin* is a technique for making natural dyes from local plants. The women of Wata learned this method through a training provided by the Faculty of Forestry at Universitas Sumatera Utara, equipping them with the knowledge to produce eco-friendly products.

What types of plants are used to create natural dyes, and what are their benefits?

The natural dyes are made from plants such as red spinach, kenikir flowers, and mangrove bark. These plants are not only eco-friendly but also produce vibrant, beautiful colors, making them a sustainable alternative to synthetic dyes.

How did the pandemic affect Wata's ability to continue their work?

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Wata continued their production at home. Since the dyeing process could be done from home using locally sourced materials, they were able to maintain their operations and support the community economically.

What are the economic benefits of Wata's initiative for its members?

Wata's initiative has provided its members with an additional source of income. The women earn money through the sale of their natural dye products, which has helped improve their families' financial stability, particularly during the pandemic.

How does Wata support environmental sustainability?

Wata promotes environmental sustainability by using natural, locally sourced materials for their dye products. The initiative also encourages sustainable farming practices and the cultivation of plants used in the dye-making process.

How are the products made by Wata packaged and sold?

The natural dye products are packaged in recycled bottles and sold to the Ekoprin association in Indonesia. This approach not only promotes sustainability but also supports the local economy by creating a market for these eco-friendly products.

What is the significance of Wata's work for women's empowerment in the village?

Wata's work is a powerful example of women's empowerment. It enables women to become financially independent by creating products that have both economic and environmental value. It also fosters a sense of collaboration and mutual support among women in the community.

What are the future goals for Wata and its members?

Wata aims to increase the value of their products, explore opportunities for export, and continue supporting their members in becoming more independent and economically self-sustaining. The group also hopes to inspire other women in the village to engage in similar entrepreneurial activities.

How does Wata promote community engagement and mutual support among women?

Wata encourages collaboration and mutual support by providing training and sharing knowledge on creating eco-friendly products. The group helps its members develop new skills and provides a platform for them to grow both personally and professionally, strengthening the community as a whole.