Knitting is not just a hobby but can also bring in profit. This is the experience of the housewives who are members of the Bukit Asam Industrial Center (SIBA) Rajut (Knitting), one of the micro & small businesses (UMK) supported by PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA).The establishment of SIBA Rajut began with an asoy (shopping bags) knitting training organized by PTBA in 2018. The housewives who participated in the training decided to form SIBA Rajut.
Currently, SIBA Rajut has 15 members from villages around PTBA's operational area. It serves as a place for them to come together, pursue their hobbies, and earn additional income.
"We housewives, who used to spend time gossiping without any results, now see tangible outcomes. Our hobby has found a purpose," said SIBA Rajut Chair, Villy Villya.
Originally focused on knitting asoy, these housewives now create ombre yarn and various other handicrafts. Ombre yarn, which consists of 8 strands of yarn in different colors, has become SIBA Rajut's signature product.
"We started by knitting asoy, but the marketing was limited. Then we switched to yarn, and that's when we saw many more enthusiasts," said Villy.
The knitted crafts include small wallets, bags, prayer mats, tissue holders, caps, tablecloths, and more.
SIBA Rajut's products are sold both directly and online, in collaboration with the PaDi UMKM marketplace. PTBA also frequently includes SIBA Rajut in exhibitions at both local and national levels.
"We sell online through Facebook, Instagram, and also offer our products as souvenirs. PTBA occasionally invites us to exhibitions, and we also sell on the PaDi application. We've received many orders, including for small wallets, tissue holders, and caps," said Villy.
To support the growth of SIBA Rajut, PTBA provides various forms of assistance, including capital, knitting craft orders, and training.
"Sales have increased significantly thanks to PTBA's support. We used to have no funds, but now we can generate money," Villy said.
Besides selling various knitted products, Villy and her friends also offer training on different occasions. We don’t just sell our work, we also share our knowledge,” she said.
PTBA is committed to empowering the community by developing MSEs, which expand employment opportunities and strengthen the economic structure.
PTBA offers various mentoring and coaching initiatives for MSEs around the company’s operational areas. To enhance financial access, PTBA has provided loans from 1992 to 2022. These loans are now channeled through BRI as part of the collaboration between PTBA and BRI.
Support is also provided through training, participation in exhibitions and bazaars, internships and site visits, as well as assistance with facilities and infrastructure for the fostered MSEs.
