UNS — Lurik woven fabric has been worn by the community for a long time, as evidenced by its appearance on the reliefs of Borobudur Temple. Its existence is indeed able to penetrate the times, but its use seems not as popular as other traditional fabrics. This prompted Devi Wahyu Utami, a Graduate School student of Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta to take a role. She founded Lurikasik Indonesia to bring lurik closer to young people.
To uns.ac.id, Devi said she was quite interested in getting into the business world. His parents had already been in the weaving business. Being introduced to her since childhood, Devi is even more interested in weaving. This is what made her determined to run a lurik weaving business.
“The background of my parents, who had previously been involved in weaving, also made me even more interested in running this business because I have known weaving since I was young,” Devi said.
Lurikasik Indonesia or Lurikasik.id is a business engaged in the woven fabric industry, especially lurik woven fabrics. This business is located in Cawas District, Klaten Regency. The main products of Lurikasik.id are lurik and surjan woven fabrics. The production process for lurik cloth is in several areas in the Cawas and Bayat district.
Introducing Lurik Woven Fabric to the Young Generation
Devi also carries a special mission in running her lurik weaving business. She wants to introduce lurik woven fabrics to more people, especially the younger generation. According to her, only a few young people know about this woven fabric.
“In my opinion, only a few young people see the existence of lurik cloth. Because of that, Lurikasik comes up where I hope to bring a sense of fun when using lurik cloth, especially for the younger generation,” she explained.
Lurikasik.id’s market coverage has expanded. Its target market starts from the younger generation, then it is are increasingly diverse. Because of the higher public’s interest in using lurik cloth surely it makes this cloth sustainable.
Collaboration with Lapak Ganjar
Devi experienced business challenges during the Covid-19 Pandemic. In the first year of the pandemic, the demand for lurik cloth decreased significantly. Even production had to be reduced to a temporary halt. Until 2021–2023, the demand for lurik woven fabrics slowly increases again.
The increase in demand for lurik woven fabrics after the pandemic was also driven by the support of the Governor of Central Java, Ganjar Pranowo, who initiated the Lapak Ganjar program for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (UMKM). In 2021 lurikasik.id products are promoted by Lapak Ganjar. This business owned by Master of Management UNS students has succeeded in becoming the MSME of choice covered by the Lapak Ganjar Channel.
“From the program, we got new customers and a surge in demand till this moment,” Devi said.
Excelleces of Lurikasik.Id Products
Lurikasik.id carries the originality of lurik woven fabric as its superior point. Fabrics are produced with Non-Machine Weaving Equipment (ATBM). Devi provides lurik woven fabrics with various motifs. They are lurik woven fabrics with motifs according to standard and modern motifs. In addition, Lurikasik.id also has excellences in terms of affordable prices and guaranteed quality.
“We produce lurik fabrics that are actually woven, not stamped or produced with automated factory machines,” Devi said.
Modern lurik woven fabric motifs are available in a variety of color combinations. Some of Devi’s modern motifs are self-produced. So that consumers who want this motif can only get it at Lurikasik.id or its partners.
Potentials and Challenges
Devi believes that the market potential for the lurik woven fabric business has good prospects. Moreover, there are regulations in many agencies regarding the recommendation to wear traditional clothing which has caused a surge in demand for lurik woven fabrics. Currently there are also more designers and public figures, who have a big influence in increasing the positive response towards lurik cloth.
The development of a new business through Lurikasik Fashion will provide products derived from lurik woven fabrics, such as clothing, bags and others. From a marketing perspective, Devi will work closely with influencers to increase market reach. Cooperation and collaboration are also continuously developed with various partners. This is in response to various business challenges currently being faced by Lurikasik.id, such as the availability of skilled human resources, the need for additional capital, and promotion.
“In the future I hope that lurik cloth will continue to exist not only in the local or domestic market, but also in the global market,” Devi hoped. Humas UNS
Reporter: Rangga Pangestu Adji
Editor: Dwi Hastuti
Translator: Mifta Muriska