Strengthening the Creative Economy and Family Welfare Empowerment Through Lamaholot Ikat Weaving Enterprises

Abstract

This study aims to optimize the sustainability of the Lamaholot ikat weaving business, focusing on strengthening the creative economy and empowering family welfare, while preserving the cultural heritage of the Lamaholot community. The research employs a descriptive qualitative method with interviews as the primary approach. Considering the high cultural value and the environmental and marketing challenges faced by ikat weavers in Boleng Village, Ile Boleng District, East Flores Regency, data were collected through observation, documentation, and in-depth interviews with weavers and business actors. The data were analyzed qualitatively to identify strategies for enhancing the creative economy, empowering family welfare, and developing the capacities of business actors through training in design innovation, product diversification, resource management, and the utilization of technology for online marketing. The findings indicate that empowering business actors, particularly women and young people, not only improves family income and living standards but also promotes the preservation of cultural values embedded in each ikat motif. The study also highlights challenges posed by globalization and modern market competition, which necessitate adaptive innovation in motif development and marketing strategies. These findings contribute to the understanding of culture-based creative economy development and family empowerment at the community level.