Singaraja– The need for natural rock raw materials to meet the needs for handicrafts in Bali is increasing. This is in line with the increasing popularity of Balinese architecture that uses rock materials. On the other hand, the issue of environmental sustainability in watersheds and hills as the main source of natural rock production has made the availability of raw materials increasingly scarce and expensive. In the midst of this, academics at the Ganesha University of Education (Undiksha) are offering alternative solutions in the form of applying appropriate technology to artificial thermochromic rocks.
The academics consist of I Gede Putu Banu Astawa, M.T., M.Ak, I Made Ardwi Pradnyana, S.T., M.T., and Dr.rer.nat. I Wayan Karyasa, S,Pd., M.Sc. This team applied this innovative technology to the Silakarang Rock Craft Industry in Singapadu Kaler Village, Sukawati District, Gianyar Regency, including Nata Loka Arts and Saka Bali Arts. Banu Astawa as the team leader explained the application of artificial rock technology with a molding and casting system using a mixture of easily obtained materials, namely thermochromic pigments from Abasan rock processing waste, volcanic ash from Mount Agung, which is still abundant, and silica-carbon nanocomposites from rice husk ash. “The entrepreneur in the rock craft industry has experienced a significant decline in turnover and losses since the Covid-19 pandemic occurred. They need technology that can not only improve quality and productivity but also revive the glory of Balinese rock crafts,” he explained.
This program is funded by the Directorate for Research and Community Empowerment, Directorate General for Strengthening Research and Development, Ministry of Research and Technology/National Research and Innovation Agency (Ristek/BRIN). Apart from raw materials, continued Banu, the craftsmen were also entangled in problems in terms of product marketing as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Such conditions led the artisans to switch professions. “We are also trying to provide a solution to this problem. We offer improvements to digital data-based business plans with a sustainable accounting system,” he explained.
The results of this program are expected to be able to increase the income of craftsmen in the pandemic era and be able to restore the glory of the Silakarang rock craft industry with a touch of innovation from research by higher education academics. “Currently, there are several pandil and sculpture products that use artificial thermochromic rock. Hopefully, this program can stimulate community businesses,” he concluded. (rls)
