Revitalizing Local Heritage: Government Empowerment Strategies for the Sustainable Development of the Batik Tulis Sendang Industry in Lamongan, East Java

Abstract

Small and Medium Industries (SMIs) serve as the backbone of the national economy and vital agents for preserving local cultural wisdom. This study aims to analyze the strategic role of the Lamongan Regency Government, specifically the Department of Industry and Trade (Disperindag), in empowering the Batik Tulis Sendang industry in Sendangagung and Sendangduwur Villages, Paciran District. Employing a qualitative research design with a descriptive approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and documentation, and subsequently analyzed using the interactive model of Miles, Huberman, and Saldana. The findings reveal that government empowerment efforts have been implemented comprehensively through human resource capacity building, financial capital facilitation (KUR), market expansion via exhibitions, and business legality formalization (SIUP/TDP). However, the effectiveness of these interventions is currently impeded by structural and cultural constraints, including low artisan educational backgrounds, traditionalist mindsets, and acute dependence on informal financing systems (ijon). The study concludes that while the government demonstrates strong political will, the prevailing top-down approach has not yet fostered sufficient community independence. Consequently, this research recommends an institutional strengthening strategy through the establishment of artisan cooperatives, cross-sectoral integration to develop the "Kampung Batik" educational tourism zone, and the implementation of proactive, evidence-based policy interventions to ensure the sustainability and competitiveness of this local heritage industry.