Attention and assistance to enhance the role of small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) by the government is more emphasized due to the success of SMEs in earning significant amount of foreign currency when Indonesia had to face economical crisis in 1997. This policy has been highly recognized again since the bombing tragedy in 2002; with the excellent evidence to show how important SMEs is in helping and maintaining the economic development of Bali. But in the implementation the assistance needs to be remanaged again in a more proper and appropriate way to attain the ultimate goals. The three economic potentials, agriculture in broad sense, tourism and SMEs (cottage industry included), must be developed in harmony, interdependence, support and complementary each other, if possible as synergist to obtain sustainable development of Bali. While assistance to SMEs must be done in a more coordinated way among the government technical offices, universities, NGOs, banking, and other social community institutions. By doing so, there would be no duplication or gap, nor creation of new disadvantageous problems. It could be in form of ergonomics, occupational health and safety impacts and problems in particular, and in adverse working conditions and environment in general. Therefore it is a must at this moment to carry out total approach in helping SMEs, by integrating the effort to improve their working conditions and environment, built-in within the effort to enhance SMEs'quality of life through economic assistance. In this process a total approach through SHIP approach and Appropriate Technology intervention must be done wisely and timely. By so doing, SMEs'sustainable working conditions and environment shall be attained.
Improvement of Sickle Quality Through Ergonomic Participatory Approach at Batunya Village Tabanan Regency: SUTJANA D.P., et al. Dept, of Physiology, Udayana University, School of Medicine—Sickles are the most common hand tools used by farmers, but nowadays farmers are complaining that the sickles being used are of low quality in term of sharpness, comfort and durability. In view of this problem, a participatory ergonomics study has been carried out at Batunya village for one year (from April 1995 to March 1996). A sample of 119 farmers participated in this study. Through interviews and seminars at the local meeting hall and at the University of Udayana, opinions were gathered from the farmers regarding the sickles used concerning their sharpness, shape, weight and handle design. During the seminar the ergonomic application was also discussed with the farmers. All information was given to the blacksmiths to improve the quality of the sickle. The new sickles with a JBS mark are being sold to the farmers through the local KUD as a trial, and the farmers have been asked to comment on the new design. There is no significant difference (p>0.05) between the old and the new sickles from the point of view of productivity, but according to the farmers the new design JBS sickles perform better than the old ones. KUD officials reported that the sale of JBS sickles was better than that of the old design. By continuing this procedure a sickle can be designed ergonomically.
Ergonomics activities in Bali-Indonesia, since its tirst introduction in 1967, practically covered various economic sectors and utilized various concept and principle in ergonomics. It began in agriculture, tourism and small scale industry, the economic potencies of Bali, then expanded to various economic activities among others the hightech aircraft industry. The last five years, its activities covered community at large busy with development processes and Ming globalisation as well. Although sporadically carried out, practically in term of time, limited available means, knowledge and technical know how, several significant ergonomic improvements have been attained. But 33 years experiences in ergonomics showed afterward that more efforts must be done to make more sustain the results achieved. A more comprehensive approach by involving various factors which might create problems and gave influence to the solution must be considered. It is by carrying out a SHIP (systemic, holistic, interdisciplinary and participatory) approach in which ergonomic could play a sign&cant role due to its characteristic. Such an approach strongly need people with different disciplines who could work collaboratively in a team, who think and act systematically, holistically and actively participating those who are concerned and committed to the problems. Such an approach must be conducted by tbture ergonomists working in developing countries.
Describes a practical, stepby-step training for students in ergonomics in Bali, Indonesia. Emphasizes participatory learning, field training, and skills in leadership and communication.
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