[Unpad.ac.id, 27/12/2012] Learning process is based on taking initiatives, unafraid of failures, and taking risks. Strongly committed to it, Andena Hirma Putri, animal husbandry student class of 2009, earned her success. She now belongs to young successful entrepreneurs in this country.
Running her clothing business which she calls Andena Batik, Andena was recently elected finalist in the Independent Young Entrepreneurs, a national level competition supported by Bank Mandiri. Representing West Java province, Putri is to compete in oncoming national competition held on January 11-21, 2013.
Her interest in entrepreneurship grew since she was an elementary student. “I had my friends rent books, comics, magazines that I used to own. Then I began selling them,” said she when interviewed at the Unpad PR office in Jatinangor (27/12).
She began more attracted to entrepreneurship as she entered college. She began selling batik cloth from Tasikmalaya, her hometown. She completely understood that Batik had a very wide and selling market. What’s more, UNESCO has acknowledged batik as Indonesia’s national heritage, meaning that it now has gained greater appreciation. “Aside from the profit that I make, I’m fully aware that it is part of my moral responsibility. It is the original product of my hometown, wearing it has become our family tradition.”
She admitted that it takes hard work and commitment to running the business, in addition to creativity and innovation as well as competitiveness. Being very innovative, Putri changes dark colors that batik makers normally use. She now uses orange, red, green, and pink instead. Furthermore she produces not only clothing, but also shoes, wedges, bags, and wallets.
“We are more inclined to modern batik without actually leaving behind its traditional motives.”
Despite her time consuming business, Putri still thinks that education comes first. She is now working on her final project. So, time management is completely important.
She is now aiming at building her own manufacturing company that really pays attention to the environment and making her own batik gallery. “I really want to have my own gallery where basic from all over Indonesia can be displayed. The batik has my unique signature, combining new modern motives with cultural nuances.”
