Preserving Local Culture Through the Growth of Batik Siger and Empowerment by Rumah BUMN BRI
Batik Siger, a distinctive traditional fabric from Lampung, Indonesia, continues to thrive by intertwining cultural preservation with economic empowerment. Founded by Laila Al Khusna, Batik Siger embraces the spirit of local heritage while supporting community development through collaboration with Rumah BUMN BRI, a state-owned enterprise empowerment program.
Laila Al Khusna, a third-generation batik entrepreneur, established Batik Siger in 2008. She was motivated by UNESCO’s 2009 recognition of batik as Indonesia’s cultural heritage and a regional call for local batik as mandatory attire for government officials. With limited local artisans initially, Laila’s mission was to nurture batik craftsmanship directly within Lampung communities. Her efforts started in modest training programs targeting local women, who gradually took up the craft and entrepreneurship.
Laila recalls early challenges recruiting trainees, despite engaging at community levels such as neighborhood groups and social gatherings. However, perseverance led to a growing number of skilled batik makers who now operate their own small enterprises. “The core of my mission is to ensure my family’s batik knowledge serves society and elevates the regional dignity,” she affirmed. Batik Siger not only preserves Lampung’s culture but has become an avenue for socioeconomic progress for its artisans.
Environmental Commitment of Batik Siger
The production philosophy behind Batik Siger prioritizes sustainability and eco-friendliness. Seventy percent of the batik fabrics use natural dyes, significantly reducing harmful chemical discharge. For the remaining synthetic dyes, Batik Siger employs waste water filtration systems that ensure neutral discharge, preventing environmental pollution. The brand practices zero-waste initiatives by repurposing leftover fabrics into complementary products. This environmental stewardship earned Batik Siger the Upakarti award in 2014, recognizing its positive social and ecological impact.
The Role of Rumah BUMN BRI in Batik Siger’s Development
A crucial factor in Batik Siger’s growth has been its partnership with Rumah BUMN BRI. Established as part of Bank Rakyat Indonesia’s (BRI) community empowerment programs, Rumah BUMN supports micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Indonesia. Laila began engaging with Rumah BUMN around 2011 after local government encouragement and officially joined as a BRI-supported MSME. This affiliation provided her with access to training on business management, marketing strategies, digital marketing, and e-commerce usage.
Laila credits the coaching through Rumah BUMN BRI for enhancing Batik Siger’s market reach, especially the opportunity to display products at Bandar Lampung Airport and participate in online sales. She also learned financial management skills, including loan application procedures and risk assessments. “The program has been instrumental in strengthening our business capacity and helping us scale up,” Laila stated.
BRI’s Commitment to Strengthening MSMEs
According to Akhmad Purwakajaya, Director of Micro at BRI, Rumah BUMN is a strategic initiative to foster MSME development toward higher competitiveness and market expansion. BRI provides not only capital access but comprehensive mentoring and networking opportunities, including pathways to global markets. Purwakajaya emphasized, “By combining literacy, digitization, and access facilitation, we aim to create value-added MSMEs capable of sustaining Indonesia’s economic resilience.”
Batik Siger’s Market Reach and Cultural Impact
Currently, approximately 80% of Batik Siger’s sales come from the Lampung region, while the remaining 20% reach broader Indonesian markets through e-commerce platforms. The brand stands as a symbol of Lampung’s cultural pride and economic empowerment, bridging heritage and innovation. Through Rumah BUMN BRI’s support, Batik Siger artisans continue to thrive and preserve their traditional skills in a competitive, sustainable manner.
Key Highlights
- Founded in 2008 by Laila Al Khusna, Batik Siger promotes Lampung’s cultural identity.
- Utilizes 70% natural dyes and zero-waste production methods.
- Earned the 2014 Upakarti award for environmental and social impact.
- Supported by Rumah BUMN BRI via training, marketing, and financing.
- 80% of sales are local, with an expanding national e-commerce presence.
The ongoing collaboration between Batik Siger and Rumah BUMN BRI exemplifies how preserving local culture can coincide with sustainable business growth. This model offers a blueprint for other regional crafts aiming to empower communities while maintaining cultural integrity.
