The spread of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) covering the water surface is often considered a problem. This aquatic plant is known as an invasive weed because it grows rapidly and can hinder water flow and disrupt community activities around the water. However, in the skilled hands of Ieko Damayanti (39), this aquatic weed can be transformed into craft products that not only provide economic benefits but also offer a solution for environmental conservation.
Having engaged in the business since 2008, the woman famous as the Water Hyacinth Queen began her career through a weaving training facilitated by the Tangerang City Department of Industry and Trade in Yogyakarta.
After attending the three-day training, Ieko dared to start a small weaving business with a capital of IDR 150,000 for raw material needs and sewing machines. She then received support for business capital financing from a bank, which significantly impacted the development of her business.
Aerial photo of workers collecting water hyacinth stems covering the lake or reservoir in Pakuhaji, Tangerang Regency, Banten.
Workers bring water hyacinth plants to be dried in Pakuhaji, Tangerang Regency, Banten.
Ieko buys water hyacinths to meet raw material needs at a price of IDR 500,000 – IDR 700,000 per quintal in a dried state to facilitate the production process.
Currently, Ieko has empowered as many as 20 female weavers with wages ranging from IDR 10,000 – IDR 500,000 per product, depending on the difficulty level of the craft made.
"Most of the weavers are mothers so they can earn extra income by working on craft products at their own homes while taking care of household matters," said Ieko.
Workers drying water hyacinth plants in Pakuhaji, Tangerang Regency, Banten.
Workers drying water hyacinth plants in Pakuhaji, Tangerang Regency, Banten.
Ieko and her work partners can produce 10 - 50 craft products per day and can increase to 100 products if demand increases. The products they make vary from lifestyle needs to interior decorations such as bags, baskets, mats, coasters, tissue boxes, tables, and chairs, which are sold at prices ranging from IDR 25,000 to IDR 5,000,000 per product.
Through her consistency over the years, these craft products have penetrated several major cities in Indonesia and even exported to the United States, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.
“For marketing, I sell products through marketplace applications, participate in craft exhibitions, and store products in several hotels, and thankfully, about 90 percent of those who purchase in hotels are foreign nationals,” said Ieko.
Craftsman Ieko Damayanti weighing dried water hyacinth in Pinang, Tangerang City, Banten.
Craftsmen weave water hyacinth to be made into crafts in Pinang, Tangerang City, Banten.
Creative steps like Ieko's are hoped to inspire the public, including the government, to address water weed problems in aquatic areas more creatively and effectively while providing economic benefits for the surrounding communities.
Photo and text: Putra M Akbar
Craftsmen weave water hyacinth to be made into crafts in Pinang, Tangerang City, Banten.
Craftsmen apply hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) solution to water hyacinth crafts in Pinang, Tangerang City, Banten.
A number of craft products of bags made from water hyacinth material in Pinang, Tangerang City, Banten.
A number of water hyacinth craft products are dried after being coated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) solution in Pinang, Tangerang City, Banten.
Craftsman Ieko Damayanti shows craft products of bags made from water hyacinth in Pinang, Tangerang City, Banten.
Craftsman Ieko Damayanti conducts a live broadcast through an online shopping (e-commerce) application to market water hyacinth crafts in Pinang, Tangerang City, Banten.
Visitors view water hyacinth bag craft products displayed at the Sheraton Jakarta Soekarno Hatta Airport Hotel, Tangerang City, Banten.
Editor: Yusran Uccang
The caption is automatically translated by application. Click here for the Bahasa Indonesia version.
