From Chemical to Natural Dyes: Capacity Building, Green Business Training, and AI-Assisted Creative Innovation for Sustainable Batik SMEs
Description
Batik small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Pekalongan face increasing environmental and competitive challenges due to the continued reliance on synthetic chemical dyes, which contribute to water pollution, hazardous wastewater, and unsustainable production practices. In response, natural dyes have emerged as an environmentally friendly alternative to support sustainable batik production and improve market competitiveness. Simultaneously, AI-assisted creative innovation offers new opportunities for batik SMEs to strengthen product differentiation, digital branding, and sustainability-oriented market expansion. This study aims to analyze the sustainable transformation of batik SMEs through green business training, natural dye adoption, and AI-assisted creative innovation. The study employed a Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) approach involving 30 batik artisans in Pekalongan. Data were collected through in-depth interviews guided by the SOCRATES framework, participatory observation, pre-surveys, and documentation of training activities. The findings reveal that the training program improved participants’ understanding of green batik practices, technical skills in natural dye application, and awareness of sustainable production methods. Participants also demonstrated enhanced knowledge regarding waste management, water and energy efficiency, green business planning, and AI-assisted digital branding strategies. The study concludes that integrating green business training and AI-assisted creative innovation can effectively support the sustainable transformation and long-term competitiveness of batik SMEs within Indonesia’s creative industries.
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Institutions
- Binus UniversityJakarta, Jakarta