ITB has once again demonstrated its commitment to national development through its community service initiatives. This time, the university is conducting a program aimed at empowering natural and cultural potential to support the development of a sustainable creative economy in Kwadas Village, Makbon District, Sorong Regency, Southwest Papua (July 4).
Before the program began, the ITB team met with Sorong Regent, Johny Kamuru, to seek support from the local government for the program’s implementation.
“We fully support this initiative, but we hope that development efforts will not harm the environment and will maintain the sustainability of existing natural resources,” said Kamuru.
Nur Budi Mulyono, Head of the ITB Program Team, emphasized that Kwadas Village possesses abundant natural potential that can still be developed. However, he stressed the need for strong collaboration.
“Especially between the local community, academics, and the government, to ensure optimal and sustainable outcomes,” he said.
On the first day of the program, training was conducted on weaving techniques using natural materials found around the village. The session was led by Muksin, an art expert from ITB, who equipped villagers with practical skills to create handicrafts with economic value.
“By utilizing the natural materials around us, we hope the community can produce artistic products that are both functional and marketable,” said Muksin.
The second day focused on training for local art teachers, led by ITB art instructor Zusfa Roihan. Participants were introduced to traditional batik motif techniques and practiced tie-dye methods, enabling them to create batik patterns that reflect the unique cultural identity of Kwadas Village.
“The batik motifs produced here can symbolize the richness of local culture and hold potential for broader market appeal,” said Zusfa.
On the third day, the ITB team, together with the local community, built display cases for showcasing community-made crafts. This effort was part of a broader strategy to promote local products. In addition, the team constructed a village monument, envisioned as both a tourist attraction and a symbol of the village’s progress. The monument also serves to reinforce the identity of Kwadas Village, which has great potential in the creative economy rooted in local wisdom.
The initiative is supported not only by ITB but also in collaboration with the University of Muhammadiyah Sorong (UNIMUDA Sorong). Through this partnership, both institutions aim to strengthen the community’s capacity to manage and further develop its natural and cultural resources.
The program is expected to have a lasting impact on Kwadas Village, enhancing the visibility of its natural and cultural assets, expanding market reach for local products, and opening opportunities for sustainable development in the creative economy.
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