Strengthening Sustainable Manufacturing Practices among Batik SMEs through Environmental Education: Community Engagement on Textile Drying Technology

Abstract

Batik SMEs contribute significantly to Indonesia's economy and cultural heritage but continue to face challenges in adopting sustainable manufacturing practices. One major limitation is the reliance on conventional sun-drying methods, which are highly dependent on weather conditions and often disrupt production continuity during the rainy season. This community engagement program aimed to improve environmental awareness among batik SME practitioners while introducing textile drying technology as a practical alternative to conventional drying systems. The program was conducted in 2025 and involved approximately 60 batik SME practitioners in the Pekalongan region. Activities consisted of educational presentations followed by interactive discussions and question-and-answer sessions focusing on sustainable manufacturing concepts and the potential application of textile drying technology. The results indicated that participants gained a better understanding of the limitations of conventional drying methods and recognized the advantages of mechanical drying technology in improving production continuity, reducing weather dependency, and supporting operational efficiency. Participants also expressed positive responses toward adopting appropriate technology to enhance manufacturing resilience. Overall, the program demonstrates that integrating environmental education with engineering innovation can effectively strengthen the technological capacity of batik SMEs and promote more sustainable manufacturing practices within traditional textile industries.