PNM Distributes RE3 For-E Clothing to Disabled and Elderly

Environmental awareness has become a crucial part of daily life, including how society views unused clothing. Amid rising textile consumption and fast fashion trends, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) noted in 2025 that approximately 92 million tonnes of textile waste are generated globally each year. This serves as a reminder that wearable clothing stored or unused can still gain new value when managed appropriately. PT Permodalan Nasional Madani (PNM) launched a simple initiative linking environmental care with economic empowerment and education through the RE3 For-E movement: Reduce, Re-love, Restyle for Environment, Economy, Empowerment, and Education. Under the slogan ‘From Unused Items, Impact Continues to Grow’, the activity is part of PNM’s 27th anniversary celebrations and encourages employees to recognise that unused items can be the start of new benefits. During implementation, 17 tonnes of wearable clothing were collected from across PNM’s regions in Indonesia. Over 270 PNM Mekaar borrowers running laundry businesses were involved in washing, sorting, and preparing donated clothes for redistribution to those in need. This involvement not only supports textile waste reduction but also provides additional income opportunities for borrowers, allowing environmental care initiatives to align with direct economic benefits for ultra-micro entrepreneurs. One distribution of RE3 For-E clothing went to Yayasan Tri Asih, a home for children with special needs, and Panti Jompo Kencana Sejahtera, which cares for the elderly. Through this initiative, previously unused clothing has found new purpose as a gesture of care, warmth, and support for vulnerable communities. Yayasan Tri Asih’s head, Mrs Wiji Utami, expressed appreciation for PNM’s outreach and sharing directly with the children at Tri Asih. ‘We are delighted that PNM took the time to visit our children with disabilities and share with them, bringing warmth to our little ones. We hope this activity continues, not just for Tri Asih but for other places too. Such initiatives are truly beneficial,’ she said. Similar appreciation was given by Mrs Yus, owner of Panti Jompo Kencana Sejahtera, who said the initiative provides meaningful attention to the elderly residents. ‘This is a wonderful initiative. PNM has shared with us and the elderly at Panti Jompo Kencana Sejahtera. We hope such activities continue and benefit more people,’ she added. In addition to clothing, 2,700 children’s books were donated to PNM’s Ruang Pintar and 27 remote schools to support reading access and education for children in PNM’s empowerment areas. Through this initiative, PNM hopes RE3 For-E will not just be a donation drive but a collaborative space fostering environmental care, benefiting borrowers, and expanding learning opportunities for children. Through RE3 For-E, PNM aims to show that small actions can create wide-reaching impacts. Unused clothing can benefit recipients, provide income opportunities for laundry borrowers, and through book donations, open learning spaces for children. This spirit underpins PNM’s 27th anniversary theme: ‘Together in Every Step, Supporting Every Struggle’.