Enhancing East Kalimantan export goods: Appropriate technology for nipah stick artisans in crafting home decor items

Abstract

Nipah leaves and sticks have been used by craftsmen to make ketupat and brooms. The community service team recognizes the significant potential in utilizing nipah leaves and sticks to create high-value goods, specifically export-quality home decor crafts. Home decor items with a natural concept enjoy popularity in both national and international markets, catering to the needs of hotels, offices, and residences. In this program, a stick shaving machine was introduced to simplify the process of smoothing the sticks. The activity involved the participation of mothers and teenagers of productive age from Mesjid Samarinda Seberang Village. The program resulted in innovative products, including baskets, lamp hangers, and decorative mirrors. Furthermore, the participants displayed great enthusiasm, with a remarkable attendance rate of 90%, and their skills improved by 75%.