VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

In the early 20th century, Indonesia was the leader of the world's largest Indigo blue natural dye market. Because Indonesia has abundant natural wealth which is the raw material for natural dyes, and until now, this potential has not been utilized properly. In fact, almost all regions in Indonesia have a culture of using natural dyes and natural resources as raw materials for natural dyes. Now, it is estimated that more than 90% of textile craftsmen and industries in Indonesia still use synthetic dyes in producing their textile products. In fact, the raw materials for synthetic dyes are imported with a large capacity and very high value. There are synthetic dyes that are carcinogenic and very dangerous for users, and the environment. 

With this problem, the UGM research team, who are members of the Indonesia Natural Dye Institute research group at Universitas Gadjah Mada (INDI-UGM) undertook a downstream program for natural dye prototypes. They built a natural dye production site from the waste of the Merbau wood industry in Jayapura, Papua. Sawdust from Merbau wood has the potential to be used as a source of raw material for the natural dye industry.

Head of the INDI UGM team, Edia Rahayuningsih said that the waste from forest products in Papua could reach 20-40% of the total mass of trees. Unfortunately, this waste has not been used optimally, and is usually thrown into the environment or burned so that it becomes a problem in the environment. Therefore, her side has produced a tool for processing the natural powder which is managed by CV Karui Jayapura. Apart from raw materials for Merbau in Papua, according to Edia, natural dyes can also be made from raw materials derived from indigofera plants, cocoa waste, palm oil waste, and mangrove bark waste.