GO-GLOBAL DIGITALIZATION FOR SASAK TRADITIONAL WEAVERS: ENHANCING E-COMMERCE INTEGRATION AND INTERNATIONAL MARKET ACCESS

Abstract

Traditional weaving (tenun) by the Sasak community in Lombok, Indonesia, represents a rich cultural heritage with significant economic potential. However, rural Sasak weavers face critical barriers to scaling their businesses, including localized supply chains, a lack of digital literacy, and limited exposure to global markets. This international community engagement program aimed to bridge this digital divide by implementing a comprehensive Go-Global framework focused on e-commerce integration and international market access. Through a participatory action approach, 5 traditional weavers in Lombok were trained in digital store management, professional product photography, cross-border logistics, and basic English communication for international trade. The program successfully established three centralized digital export hubs managed by local youth cooperatives. The results demonstrate a 65% increase in digital literacy among participants and a 40% growth in direct online revenue within three months post-intervention, successfully connecting Sasak cultural products to buyers in Southeast Asia and Europe. This initiative highlights that integrating traditional craftsmanship with tailored digital ecosystems not only preserves cultural identity but also fosters sustainable economic resilience in rural Indonesia.