In the past, the art of knitting for Benteng Chinese women was not just a manual skill, but also a form of creativity that was passed down across generations. Knitting became part of everyday life, filling time by producing works that had both aesthetic and functional value. However, along with the changing times and modernization, this art slowly faded. The younger generation is increasingly unfamiliar with this skill, and this ancestral heritage is almost erased from their lives.
Not only lifestyle changes that make the art of knitting increasingly abandoned, but also the lack of facilitators and access to materials and training. The unavailability of basic capital, such as yarn and knitting tools, as well as the absence of mentors who can guide them in innovation, are the main obstacles for Benteng Chinese women to revive this skill.
As part of the women's empowerment efforts, the art of knitting is now being revived in the Cina Benteng community. Since October 2024, PPSW Jakarta has initiated knitting training for Cina Benteng women as an initial step to revive this almost extinct skill.
This training was attended by various participants, both those who have had knitting skills and beginners who are interested in learning. The results were quite encouraging. In the initial training session, the participants showed their abilities that were still capable and had the potential to be developed. They succeeded in creating various creative products, such as key chains, brooches, small bags, and knitted wallets.
Looking at the results of the work, it can be concluded that developing the potential skills that the community already has is much more effective than providing new skills. This approach is in line with the concept of Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) developed by Kretzmann and McKnight (1993), which emphasizes the importance of strengthening local assets that already exist in the community.
Hanna Nel (2020) also emphasized that asset-based community development has six main principles: Change must come from within the community, The main focus is on recognizing and optimizing existing assets, Development initiatives must be led by the community itself.
Understanding previous successes is the basis for sustainable development, Change must be driven by strong social relationships and rooted in local culture, and Development processes must be participatory and collaborative.
In this context, empowering women through the art of knitting is not just about teaching skills, but also reviving a cultural heritage that was once owned. Interestingly, the revival of the art of knitting is not only a place for nostalgia, but also opens up new economic opportunities for Chinese Benteng women. One of the participants, Mrs. Cin Wah, managed to create an elegant red rose knitted bag that is now in great demand.
"I am very grateful for this training. I gained new knowledge and now many people have started ordering the rose knitted bags that I made," she said enthusiastically.
In addition to being a source of income, the art of knitting also has a spiritual meaning for Benteng Chinese women. One interesting example is the making of Benteng Chinese cake sarongs by Ibu Sin Nio. This product has a special value in the Chinese New Year prayer tradition.
"Usually, cakes for prayers will be covered with knitted cake covers. These covers will be installed for two weeks, starting from the Chinese New Year celebration until Cap Go Meh," said Ms. Chen Fie, one of the Benteng Chinese women who is active in this training.
However, despite its strong cultural value, challenges remain. Currently, only a handful of people are able to knit with the Benteng Chinese cake sheath model. Many participants struggle to develop their skills independently due to limited access to further guidance and training.
To optimize women's empowerment through the art of knitting, a facilitator is needed who can accompany them continuously. This facilitator not only helps with the technical aspects of knitting, but also introduces new techniques and encourages innovation. With consistent assistance, this skill can develop and become a valuable asset that not only strengthens the economy of Benteng Chinese women, but also enriches their cultural identity.
The hope is that the revival of the art of knitting will not only be a leisure activity, but also a gateway for Benteng Chinese women to be more empowered. They are not only limited to domestic roles, but can also contribute economically and socially. By utilizing skills that have long existed in their community, Benteng Chinese women can reaffirm their cultural identity while opening up wider economic opportunities in the future.
The revival of the art of knitting is proof that ancestral heritage can still live in the modern era, as long as there is a collective effort to maintain and develop the potential that has been owned. Now, the thread that was almost broken is starting to be embroidered again, knitting new hopes for Benteng Chinese women and future generations.
