Factors Affecting Traditional Spinning Silk Yarn Quality in the Soppeng Regency, Indonesia, and Optimisation Strategies

Abstract

Since 1964, one of the livelihoods of the inhabitants of Soppeng Regency has been the cultivation of natural silk for the production of silk yarn products. Currently, the silk yarn production industry is dealing with challenges connected to the low quality of the yarn produced, which can only be utilized as weft yarn in creating silk garments. Soppeng Regency in South Sulawesi, Indonesia, has a rich history of silk production, traditionally serving as a significant source of income for its residents. This natural silk industry has played a vital role in the region's economy in the Donri-Donri District area. This study investigates the factors influencing silk yarn quality in Soppeng Regency's traditional production system, aiming to revitalize the industry. Employing the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), we identified the two most critical leverage factors: silkworm seedling quality (weight: 0.303) and the silkworm rearing process (weight: 0.290). A SWOT analysis positioned the industry in a promising quadrant (I), indicating strengths outweigh weaknesses and opportunities exceed threats (strengths: 0.284, opportunities: 0.139). These findings suggest that improving silkworm seedling quality and rearing methods presents a significant opportunity to enhance yarn quality, potentially leading to increased production and profitability for Soppeng's silk producers. This study shows that improving the quality of silkworm seedlings and rearing methods can significantly enhance the silk industry in Soppeng Regency. This will result in higher quality yarn, increased production and sales, and greater profitability for silk producers. This will benefit the entire industry, creating a positive ripple effect for the local economy. Future research implies comparing the most suitable silkworm breed and the most appropriate rearing method to produce high-quality silk thread in Soppeng Regency.

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