On the occasion, the minister invited the businesswomen, who run micro and small enterprises, to improve the quality of their products by optimizing Biak's local materials, as she believes that the region's materials can be used to make innovations in the motifs of bags and batik.
"Biak and the Papua Island, in general, are blessed with a wealth of varied local materials, such as leaves, wood roots, and other natural motifs," the minister remarked.
Minister Rismaharini pledged to provide support to the businesswomen to enable them to produce high-quality products of clothing, bags, and batik that are in line with the current trends.
"It is necessary to provide training courses to Papua businesswomen, so they can produce high-quality products. The training should involve knowledge-sharing activity of the current trends of the models and styles of clothing, bags, and print batik," the former Surabaya mayor stated.
The minister also invited the businesswomen to optimize the natural resource potential of Biak Numfor in producing commodities of high quality.
Nelce Atatanoi, one of the businesswomen, lauded and welcomed the minister's suggestions during the meeting.
"Madam Minister Rismaharini promised to assist us by providing the required raw materials for producing clothes to improve the quality of business products of Biak women," she stated.
Atatanoi also expressed hope that the minister would assist native Papuan businesswomen by providing capital, so they can develop their businesses.
During the activity, Minister Rismaharini was accompanied by Head of Biak Numfor District Herry Ario Naap and his deputy Calvin Mansnembra, Acting Regional Secretary Zizi Mailoa, and several ranks from the Social Affairs Ministry.
The minister's entourage arrived on Friday at 11:45 WIT (Eastern Indonesian Standard Time) and is scheduled to fly to Surabaya, East Java, after the conclusion of the minister's working visit to Biak.
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Translator: Muhsidin, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Sri Haryati
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