Penguatan Ekonomi Kreatif Pokdarwis Desa Kassi melalui Pelatihan Pembuatan Kriya Berbahan Lokal dengan Model PAR (PARTICIPATORY ACTION RESEARCH)

Abstrak

Creative economy based on local materials has become an essential strategy for
community empowerment, particularly in rural areas with abundant natural resources
that have yet to be maximally utilized. This study aims to enhance the skills and
participation of the Kassi Village community in developing a creative economy through the
utilization of local materials such as bamboo, rattan, coconut shells, and local woven
fabrics. The approach used in this research is Participatory Action Research (PAR), which
involves the community in every stage of the research process, from identifying issues to
evaluation. Initial problem identification revealed several constraints, such as limited
technical skills, lack of product design innovation, and restricted market access. Based on
these findings, a training program was designed to address these challenges. The training
program includes teaching basic techniques for processing local materials, enhancing
creativity in product design, and using digital technology for marketing. The training was
conducted in stages using a learning-by-doing method, which proved effective in improving
participants' understanding. The results show that after the training, there was a
significant increase in participants' technical skills, their ability to innovate in product
design, and the use of digital marketing technologies via social media. Furthermore, 70%
of participants expressed interest in continuing their business independently but required
further mentoring in marketing and business management. This study concludes that
training programs based on local needs, combined with ongoing mentoring and marketing
networks, have the potential to improve community skills and ensure the sustainability of
creative economy ventures based on local materials in Kassi Village.