PNM ULaMM Denpasar Customer Turns Beach Wood Waste into Export-Worthy Crafts

JAKARTA - Piles of wood carried by waves and washed ashore are often part of the problem of beach garbage in Bali, including in the Tabanan area. However, in the hands of Wayan Sudira, the marine wood waste does not stop as an environmental problem.

From the wood that was stranded on the beach, he saw an opportunity to present a work, open up economic space, and help the government's efforts to reduce beach waste.

Through Ulu Sari Handicraft, Wayan processes marine wood waste into high-value handicraft products, in line with the spirit of the Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs, especially point 12 on responsible consumption and production, point 14 on maintaining marine ecosystems.

Since joining PNM ULaMM (Micro Capital Service Unit) in 2017, Wayan has regularly received access to financing and business assistance. This support also strengthened Ulu Sari Handicraft's steps to grow more purposefully. Now, the business he built has two workshops located in Singaraja and Tegallalang, and employs 45 employees at that time.

Not a few of them are relatives, the surrounding community, to former workers who were affected by the termination of employment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Who would have thought, from the original environmental problems, a new living space was born for many families.

At a time when the pandemic has weakened many micro and small businesses, Ulu Sari Handicraft has actually received an increasing demand from foreign markets. To date, almost every day, Wayan's works are sent to various countries such as New Zealand, Australia, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and the United States.

For Wayan, this achievement is not only about business, but also about gratitude because it can change something that was previously considered a waste into benefits for the environment and others.

"All of this is a pillar of faith because it is God's way. From discarded wood, astungkara can become a livelihood for families, for employees, and for people around. So all we can do is continue to be grateful, maintain trust, and work as best we can," said Wayan.

This story is an example of how PNM financing and assistance can expand the impact of micro and small businesses, not only from an economic perspective, but also socially and environmentally. Ulu Sari Handicraft shows that empowerment can grow from sensitivity to surrounding issues.

Beach waste, which was originally a challenge, was processed into a valuable product, opening up employment opportunities for the community, and helping families to grow together with the business.

This is the spirit that makes empowerment feel more meaningful. Because when a business grows, not only the owner, but also the family, neighbors, environment, and the hopes of many people around them are involved.