Economic Value of the Use of Low-Quality Betara Areca Nuts as a Natural Dye

Abstract

Betara are a superior variety of areca nut and one of Jambi's leading products. This type of areca nut is commonly found in Betara Subdistrict, West Tanjung Jabung Regency. Currently, the price of areca nuts is fluctuating and tending to decline. This is a challenge that needs to be addressed in order to increase the selling value of areca nuts. One method that can be implemented is to isolate the coloring agent from Pinang Betara and subsequently apply it as a natural dye for Jambi batik. Batik made with natural dyes has a higher selling value compared to synthetic dyes, such as Batik Tanah Liek produced in West Sumatra, which has a selling value of IDR 2,000,000 per piece. The Pinang Betara fruit used for its coloring agent is of lower quality, where the Liek produced in West Sumatra, which has a selling price of Rp. 2,000,000 per piece. The betel nuts to be used for dye extraction are of low quality, which also have a low selling price. By utilizing these low-quality betel nuts as natural dyes, the utility value and selling price of the betel nuts can be enhanced. The use of natural dyes as batik dyes Jambi Batik was once proposed by the Governor of Jambi, Mr. Al Haris, to Edyfa Fashion House, to utilize natural dyes from plants found in Jambi. This information was conveyed to the research leader to assist Edyfa Fashion House in sourcing natural dyes from betel nuts, whose production in Betara is abundant. The advantages of natural dyes include their environmental friendliness and relatively low cost. The isolation of natural dyes from Betara areca nuts will be conducted at the Chemistry Laboratory, Faculty of Science and Technology. After the areca nut dyes are obtained, the research will continue at Edyfa Fashion House to produce high-quality Jambi batik. This innovative research aims to isolate and utilize natural dyes from low-quality areca nuts to enhance the utility and market value of areca nuts, as well as increase the market value of Jambi batik.