Amidst rapid societal change, Lia has proven that tradition and innovation can go hand in hand in building a sustainable local economy. Through her rattan weaving business, she not only increases her family’s income but also contributes to environmental conservation by maintaining the sustainability of rattan craftsmanship. With support from the INKLUSI Program through the Paradigta Academy’s entrepreneurship training, her business has grown significantly, playing a key role in introducing West Kalimantan’s cultural heritage to a wider audience.
For the Dayak Indigenous community, rattan weaving is a time-honoured tradition rich in cultural and economic value. Lia first learned the craft from her sister and aunt, creating various products such as coasters, cutlery holders, flower vases, and food covers. However, her business remained limited, sales were unpredictable, and she struggled to reach a broader market.
A significant turning point came when Lia joined the Paradigta Academy, an entrepreneurship and economic empowerment program for women-headed households initiated by the Foundation for Women-Headed Family Empowerment (PEKKA) with support from the INKLUSI Program. Through the program, Lia received training in business management, financial planning, and marketing strategies, including utilising social media to promote her products. Previously, she could only sell one to three products per month, but thanks to more effective marketing techniques and an expanded market reach, her sales have increased significantly.
Lia is also active in the Paradigta Academy WhatsApp group, where she exchanges information, receives mentorship, and promotes her products. This network has opened doors to various exhibitions and bazaars. One of her mentors, who is also a member of the Family Welfare Empowerment (PKK) group at the district level, helped her gain access to a bazaar organised by the Department of Industry, Trade, Cooperatives, and SMEs in Sanggau Regency.
In the past, I relied solely on word-of-mouth sales, and there were months when I didn’t sell a single product. After joining the Paradigta Academy, I learned how to grow my business and market my products through social media. Now, my products are known beyond my village, said Lia.
However, Lia’s entrepreneurial journey has not been without challenges. She often struggles to source rattan materials, as availability has declined due to forest deforestation. Despite this, Lia remains passionate about preserving the tradition of rattan weaving and hopes to establish a business group in Upe Village, enabling more Dayak women to participate in the craft, sustain their heritage, and achieve economic independence.
Lia hopes that local governments will continue to support home-based enterprises like hers and provide more opportunities for women entrepreneurs to thrive. She is also determined to further her knowledge of digital marketing to expand her product reach and grow her business sustainably.
Through the INKLUSI Program, PEKKA remains committed to empowering women-headed households and other marginalised groups. By providing entrepreneurship training and broader market access, the program aims to support women like Lia in building sustainable businesses and improving the livelihoods of their communities.
