BIAK (June 4th, 2023) – Minister of Social Affairs, Tri Rismaharini, always has a way to encourage society, particularly in social empowerment.  This is also done on the last day of the Minister’s work visit to Biak Numfor Regency.

Minister Risma has an opportunity to give a short course on local batik development when she meets the citizens in Biak Numfor Regency’s Social Office.

“Mamas, what are the problems? Do not hesitate to say it. Please say what the problems are,” said Risma. One of the women answers Minister Risma’s question
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Blushing and enduring disbelief, she says that capital and material become the main problem. “Working capital and material, Ma’am,” she says.

Minister Risma reacts right away to fulfill the woman’s request. Minister Risma also buys the finished yet not worth selling batik cloth. She gives an evaluation. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining quality.

Risma states that they need to learn in order to get the commodity accepted in the market. “Honestly, this is not good. Both the cloth and the bag cannot be sold. The choice of color, pattern, and material should be considered,” she says.

She asks the Mamas to practice more. “I buy them all. Use the money as working capital. Although I buy the clothes, I give them back to you to make them better,” Risma says.

The Minister also says that are able to work better because they have good natural patterns. Leaf, flowers, or animals can be Biak Numfor’s batik characteristics. Minister Risma hopes the women will be able to make batik with better composition. Thus, the batik can be introduced in the national tourism moment, Teluk Cendrawasih Sail which will be held in November.

“I want you to learn and practice quickly. Work up. Don’t be easily satisfied. Batik Biak created by you can be introduced in Teluk Cendrawasih Sail,” she continues.

The minister also urges Biak Regent, Hery Ario Naap, to support the women’s effort. This could be the link of social empowerment so that the citizens that used to become beneficiaries can be independent now.

Risma also asks the Regent to facilitate the women to attend PENA as a guide to develop and increase the quality of Biak Numfor’s batik and souvenir business. 
“Sir Regent should support them. The Mamas have made an effort. This is good because they are willing to work and not only became beneficiaries. Mamas, keep the spirit up,” Risma says.

One of the women whose cloth were bought by the minister cannot hold her tears when Minister Risma will leave the meeting location. She doesn’t expect that the minister will buy the not-worth-selling cloth, and even give it back for her to practice. Her lips shake as she says thank you to Minister Risma.

“Thank You, Mama Risma. We will keep our spirits up as you want. Thank you,” she says while wiping her grateful tears.