Wedani Village in Gresik, East Java, has become the 24th "Foreign Exchange Village" in November 2021, producing 146,400 sarongs per month. These fabrics are exported to Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Bangladesh, and Somalia. The Wedani sarong, originally made to cover private parts according to the teachings of the Wali Songo, has now penetrated the world market, stimulated the village economy, and helped protect the country's foreign exchange coffers amidst various obstacles. Wedani is one of several weaving craft centers in Gresik, known as the "city of Islamic students." The Wedani Producers Cooperative is establishing a cooperative to export the woven fabrics to various countries. Indonesia's Deputy Regent of Gresik Aminantun Habibah hopes to manage Wedani weaving exports directly under a cooperative, WGN (Wedani Giri Nata). The cooperative has registered its trademark for free and is exploring new markets with potential buyers from Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, Somalia, and Bangladesh. However, challenges include limited access to affordable raw materials, thin capital, and limited technology in the coloring department. The program aims to improve competitiveness and market penetration for small entrepreneurs.Link di fonte: https://www.kompas.id/baca/ekonomi/2023/09/15/tenun-tenun-wedani-penjaga-devisa (ICE GIACARTA)

Fonte notizia: Kompas - 16 September 2023