JABAR EKSPRES —The President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, bought a woven fabric worth Rp1 million that uses natural dyes from Sikka Regency which was exhibited by local MSMEs at Batu Cermin Cave, Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara.
“That was the first time President Joko Widodo bought a woven fabric, it uses natural dyes, the blue color costs Rp1 million,” said Finka (26) from Kananta Art Shop who exhibited her products in front of Batu Cermin Cave in Labuan Bajo, Sunday (23/4).
The woven fabric purchased by President Joko Widodo is an original woven fabric from Sikka Regency. The fabric uses blue natural dye from tarum leaves.
The making of the fabric starts from tarum leaves that are fermented for one day. After that, the leaves are marinated with lime, mixed, then put on yarn.
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After putting the yarn, the color obtained is light blue. However, the thread is lifted, dried in the sun, and then goes through the process repeatedly to get the desired blue color. “One cloth is made in about three months,” said Finka.
In addition to buying woven fabrics worth Rp1 million, President Joko Widodo also bought woven derivative products that use natural dyes.
Some of the products are Ende motif beach hats, Sikka motif bucket hats for Jan Ethes, Sikka motif light blue bracelets for La Lembah Manah, and Sikka motif bags purchased by Selvi Ananda.
The product sellers felt happy and proud that President Jokowi supports the revival of local MSMEs.
Ravika, who is also from Kananta Art Shop, was touched by the president’s visit to her shop. She was surprised because there was no information about the visit beforehand.
“We are very proud to have a president who is very populist, wants to directly get close to the people and shop like this,” Ravika praised.
