ENHANCEMENT EFFORT OF POOR HOUSEHOLD INCOME THROUGH WOMAN EMPOWERMENT IN PRODUCING INDIGO PASTE AS NATURAL COLORING FOR BATIK (Study Case on Batik Craftsman In Gunung Pati District, Semarang)

Abstract

The aim of this study is to know the impact of women empowerment in producing paste for natural coloring from indigo
leaf. The production of batik is able to employ informal workers which mostly could be a female worker. In this case,
empowering women to produce batik use indigo tree for making paste as natural coloring which is environmentally friendly,
some batik craftsmen are interested to use paste from indigo leaf. This research uses descriptive qualitative method. Object
of this research is batik craftsman especially female in Gunung Pati District, Semarang. Result of this research is that they
have optimized the production of indigo tree paste as natural coloring for batik. The problem of this research is that the
batik craftsman has lack knowledge and isn’t brave to try appropriate technology. Besides that, tools supply cost is
expensive enough. Solutions offered to the partners through discussion group model by involving the partners and
implementation of tools are to enhance the business. In addition, partners’ accompaniment is applied in order to help the
production of chopper and mixer for making indigo paste. Moreover, counseling about business management can affect to
the income enhancement. The accompaniment is from Dedication Team for Society which is funded by Research and
Technology Ministry (Dikti). The output target is Human Resource Enhancement through the using of appropriate tools
with simple work system which can produce much more paste based on its production level and its quality. The specific
target is income enhancement of the partner, batik craftsman, through woman empowerment.
Keywords : woman empowerment, informal workers, indigo paste, income enhancement