Who here has never heard of Bengok Craft? This business, created by Firman Setyaji and Astaria Eka Santi produces hundreds of various water hyacinth creations. Water hyacinth harvested from Rawa Pening is then processed in such a way as to become a craft full of valuable values. No wonder this craft has penetrated several areas in Indonesia. Bengok Craft has passed curation many times to enter the export market. Countries that have become targets include Singapore, Japan, United Arab Emirates, Italy, and others. Bengok craft, built in 2019, has contributed to many parties who have positively impacted farmers, artisans, tailors, the general public around Rawa Pening, and local SMEs. In this ecosystem, Bengok Craft also indirectly contributes to the nation. What are the contributions?

1.         National Economic Recovery

The COVID-19 pandemic is a time of adversity for all elements—social, cultural, and even economic. The economy has experienced a significant impact since the pandemic in 2020. Due to the pandemic, many MSMEs and other businesses have gone out of business. However, along with the synergy between the government and MSMEs, they are able to restore the national economy. According to Kemenkeu.go.id, in 2021, MSMEs contributed 61.1% to national economic growth and absorb 97% of the total workforce, or 116.9 million workers. Thus, Bengok Craft, as part of the MSME, also indirectly contributes positively to the nation’s development. It could be seen that in 2021 Bengok Craft can still generate a turnover of up to 228 million. In addition, the pandemic period did not prevent Bengok Craft from carrying out export activities. Throughout 2022, Bengok Craft is confident that it could contribute more this year, especially now that the pandemic is starting to slow down, not as high as in previous years.

2.         Environmental Preservation

The environment is Bengok Craft’s concern in developing its craft business. In contrast to other crafts, Bengok Craft still prioritizes the environmentally friendly concept of its products. According to Berita Satu, as much as 4.8 million tons of plastic waste in Indonesia is not managed correctly yearly. That means there is still a lot of plastic production in Indonesia. To avoid the use of plastic waste, Bengok Craft uses water hyacinth as the primary material in its craft. The material is also harvested from Rawa Pening, where a lot of water hyacinth grows massively to the detriment of the ecosystem around the swamp. Thus, Bengok Craft participates in two ways, namely producing natural material crafts and preserving the Rawa Pening ecosystem.

3.         Competent Human Resources

In running its business, Bengok Craft does not move alone. Bengok Craft also empowers the community around Rawa Pening. Local people who previously did not have maximum skill are now able to work by becoming artisans and tailors for water hyacinth crafts. They are given training in stages regarding the technique and the manufacturing process. As a result, through Bengok Craft, they could produce unique and creative water hyacinth crafts.

Such is the significance of Bengok Craft in contributing to the nation. We certainly really hope that in the future, more and more people will be involved in this sustainable ecosystem.

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