Jakarta (ANTARA) – PT Pertamina Gas (Pertagas), a sub-holding of state gas utility PT PNG, collaborated with the Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry (Kemenparekraf) for holding a workshop on making batik eco print and shibori.Pertagas Corporate Secretary Muhammad Baron, in his statement received here on Saturday, stated that the workshop was aimed at increasing the capacity of creative craftsmen, especially in making batik eco prints and learning shibori. The training was held in Kutai Kartanegara District, East Kalimantan, on August 7-11, 2023. Batik eco print is a technique of making batik by utilizing natural dyes from tannins derived from leaves, roots, or stems, while shibori is a popular Japanese tie-dyeing technique. Baron emphasized the need for locals to establish an independent group engaged in making batik eco print and shibori in order to improve the livelihood of local residents. “This activity is a form of Pertagas’ commitment to carrying out corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities for the community around the company’s operational area,” he affirmed. Baron noted that Samboja Sub-District will become one of Pertagas’ operational areas that distribute clean energy in the East Kalimantan region. “We hope that people in Samboja can have competitiveness and become a community that has flagship economic products that are in demand,” he remarked. Some 60 participants, who are members of the Samboja Family Welfare Empowerment (PKK) team, participated in the workshop. The activity began with a class on creative product marketing and communication strategy and continued with making batik eco prints and shibori. Meanwhile, Director of Creative Economy Infrastructure at the Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry, Hariyanto, stated that his side supports advancement of the creative economy sector in order to form strong micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). “This is to improve Samboja residents’ income and strengthen the creative economy ecosystem in the Kutai Kartanegara as a creative district,” he remarked.

Source: Antara News Agency