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Determined to Open a Sewing Business After Participating in PENA Workshop
Writer :
Dian Catur Prasetyaningtyas Kurniawati
Translator :
Alif Mufida Ulya/Karlina Irsalyana
BEKASI (February 4th, 2024) - The hall of "Pangudi Luhur" Integrated Center Flats in Bekasi was crowded by the voices of the center residents who were taking part in Nusantara Economic Hero (PENA) Workshop. At a certain side of the hall, a number of residents seemed to be focused on listening to the instructor who was teaching on how to sew practical and functional pouches or small bags.
Some smoothly stepped on the sewing machine pedal, as well as those who seemed clumsy in operating it. Even so, they seemed serious about taking part in the training which was held for two days, on February 3rd and 4th.
As information, PENA is an activity to build an entrepreneurial spirit, increase the entrepreneurial abilities of poor families, vulnerable groups, underprivileged people, and people experiencing social risks, as well as provide facilities to strengthen production to support businesses that are run/developed.
As it was launched in 2022 by the Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini, PENA succeeded in encouraging the economic independence of Beneficiary Families (KPM).
Among a number of people who were busy playing with sewing machines at PENA Workshop in Bekasi, the instructor, Wiwit Benefiti, monitored the participants who attended. Wiwit said she was happy to see the enthusiasm of the participants.
"I am happy to see their enthusiasm. Even though their backgrounds and abilities are varied, all the participants are enthusiastic about taking part in the sewing training," said Wiwit.
In the training, Wiwit taught how to make pouches. Besides the ease of making, people are also quite familiar with the use of pouches in their daily lives. By neat stitching results, the selling value of the pouch is able to increase multiple times more than the capital.
"If it's sold by them, the proceeds from selling these pouches are very profitable. For example, if the capital doesn't reach IDR 50,000, it can be sold for up to IDR 150,000. However, the stitching must be neat... If it's not, the selling value can be lower," said Wiwit.
Andri, a resident of "Pangudi Luhur" Integrated Center in Bekasi, was seen busy sewing, even though it was time to have a break. This 40-year-old man once worked in a convection shop. Therefore, he had no difficulty in making the pouch at all.
"I used to work in a convection company, making jackets, so this isn't that difficult. However, I've never made any pouches, so this is a challenge and new knowledge for me," he said.
This man, who had lived for eight months at "Pangudi Luhur" Integrated Center Flats in Bekasi, admitted that he was happy that he received useful training. Andri also dreamed of starting his own sewing business when he could return to his hometown in Birobuli, Central Sulawesi.
"I want to go home to Birobuli. I want to start a sewing business there. I hope I can be successful," said him enthusiastically.
Public Relations Bureau
Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs
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