Five personnel from the Waste Management Unit (UPS) Task Force for the Pasar Rebo Sub-district Water Agency, East Jakarta are creative in making traditional regional clothing from plastic waste.

My friends and I started trying to make regional clothing from plastic

They started to realize the creative idea based on utilizing plastic waste into objects of economic value in June 2024.

Every day, after work or during break time, they collect various types of plastic waste. Then clean it, then embroider and assemble it into traditional regional clothing and sandals.

The five task forces involved in making plastic handicrafts are Rudi Salam (47) who is also the coordinator. Then, Lusiana Simbolon (39), Megawati (49), Yuniarsih (47), and Hana Febri (26).

They work in a 3x4 square meter hut on the west side of Kalibaru, Pekayon Urban Village, Pasar Rebo.

According to Rudi Salam, the initiative to make traditional clothing from plastic waste came about when a boat parade made from bottles and gallons was going to be held in the East Flood Canal (KBT). In this festival, participants were required to wear traditional regional clothing.

"My friends and I started trying to make regional clothing from plastic," he explained, Sunday (9/1).

In the process of making regional clothing, each person shared tasks. Some made patterns, iron the plastic to each other so that it sticked, some attached beads or decorations.

"For one complete traditional regional costume, we need about three days. The difficulty is because the basic material is plastic so we have to be careful and precise. If the plastic is slightly wrong, it can tear and become unusable," he explained.

From this plastic waste material, they have created traditional Betawi, Batak Dayak, Papua, and Sulawesi clothing, as well as 10 unique flip-flops.

"Our work was exhibited at an event held by the Jakarta Environmental Agency," he admitted.

He added the traditional clothing they created can also be purchased for Rp 200,000 to Rp400,000. While flip-flops cost Rp 35,000 or three pairs for Rp100,000.

"This regional clothing is suitable for carnival activities or competitions," he added.

Water Board UPS Task Force Member, Megawati added the regional clothing they made was also completed with various accessories, such as weapons, shields, and others.

"For accessories such as weapons and shields, we make them from styrofoam waste to make them more attractive," he closed.