Indonesian Villagers Turn Industry Waste int
- 14 years ago
Making ropes from textile industry waste has become a source of income for Indonesian villagers in Central Java. Let’s take a look at this resourceful business and how it’s done.
Textile industry waste is being turned into boat-ropes used by the local fishing community in Kubang Wungu, Central Java.
There are around 65 home-based boat line-making factories in the village. Some have been around for generations, while others are new players in the business.
Most of the home workshops employ around 15 laborers, most of whom are women.
They source their material from local and neighboring textile factories.
[Herman, A Boat Ropes Maker]:(Bahasa Indonesia)
"There are not only female workers here; there are also male workers who make big ropes. Female workers make half-finished ropes that are processed into bigger ones.”
The boat ropes are made by firstly joining the waste cloth together and elongating it using a bicycle wheel rotator. The process is repeated four times and produces half-finished boat ropes.
The next stage involves braiding together four half finished ropes to make a roll of boat rope.
Many fishermen prefer the locally produced ropes, as they are easier to use, and are cheaper than other ropes.
[Nursan, Local Fisherman]: (Bahasa Indonesian)
"The reason we are using boat ropes from Kubang Wungu village is that they are cheaper than plastic ropes from the shops, and they are more comfortable for fishing. The price is only $1.30(USD) per kilogram compared with smaller and more slippery ropes for $2.40(USD) per kilogram.”
The ropes last from around three to four months, before they need to be replaced.
Indonesia has the fourth longest coastline in the world, and a large fishing industry.
Textile industry waste is being turned into boat-ropes used by the local fishing community in Kubang Wungu, Central Java.
There are around 65 home-based boat line-making factories in the village. Some have been around for generations, while others are new players in the business.
Most of the home workshops employ around 15 laborers, most of whom are women.
They source their material from local and neighboring textile factories.
[Herman, A Boat Ropes Maker]:(Bahasa Indonesia)
"There are not only female workers here; there are also male workers who make big ropes. Female workers make half-finished ropes that are processed into bigger ones.”
The boat ropes are made by firstly joining the waste cloth together and elongating it using a bicycle wheel rotator. The process is repeated four times and produces half-finished boat ropes.
The next stage involves braiding together four half finished ropes to make a roll of boat rope.
Many fishermen prefer the locally produced ropes, as they are easier to use, and are cheaper than other ropes.
[Nursan, Local Fisherman]: (Bahasa Indonesian)
"The reason we are using boat ropes from Kubang Wungu village is that they are cheaper than plastic ropes from the shops, and they are more comfortable for fishing. The price is only $1.30(USD) per kilogram compared with smaller and more slippery ropes for $2.40(USD) per kilogram.”
The ropes last from around three to four months, before they need to be replaced.
Indonesia has the fourth longest coastline in the world, and a large fishing industry.