Even though our loksem is closed, we still work from home

Difficult economic conditions amid the COVID-19 pandemic apparently did not dampen the enthusiasm of painting artists who are members of the Beautiful Painter and Writer Group (KPPI) to keep working.

Although the place of business which is in Temporary Location (Loksem) JP 27, Jalan Gedung Kesenian, Pasar Baru, Central Jakarta is closed during large-scale social restrictions (PSBB), they still make works from home through their creative hands.

KPPI Leader Eko Sulistiyo (52) said, since PSBB is implemented, the artists under his group had to work from home. Yet this condition does not affect the creativity of his colleagues to produce beautiful and interesting work.

"Even though our loksem is closed, we still work from home," he stated, when being interviewed by Beritajakarta.id, Friday (5/8).

He expressed, the paintings work made is very diverse, ranging from face sketches, flowers, landscapes, animals and so forth according to customer orders. Nevertheless, painting orders have dropped compared to normal conditions.

"But I'm grateful to still get orders from my customers. It is also felt by other fellow painters," told a man who lives on Jalan Rawasari I, RT 01/05, Cipayung Jaya, Cipayung, Depok.

Similar statement also comes from Tea (47), a face sketch specialist under KPPI from Cileungsi area, Bogor.

"Prior to coronavirus, in a month, my income reached Rp 7 million. But now it decreased to Rp 4-5 million per month," he expressed.

Hopefully, this pandemic could end soon thus people can have normal activities and economic conditions can move again.

"Nevertheless we keep working and are grateful to be able to stay alive amid COVID-19 outbreak," he stated.