Purwosari residents distribute qurban meat without plastic in unique initiative
A different scene was observed in the RW 14 area of Purwosari Village, Laweyan District, Solo, Central Java, during the celebration of Eid al-Adha 1447H/2026. While the distribution of qurban meat is typically associated with piles of plastic bags, the organising committee at Masjid Istiqomah Purwosari implemented a unique policy prohibiting single-use plastic in the distribution process.
Residents holding qurban meat distribution coupons enthusiastically arrived at the slaughter site carrying various kitchen utensils from home. Pots, basins, and large bowls were used as containers to collect their allocated meat.
This initiative supports the Solo City Government’s programme. Ragil Efendi (40), Secretary of the Qurban Slaughter Committee at Masjid Istiqomah, explained that the policy is a tangible response to the mayor’s call to maintain environmental cleanliness and address the city’s waste emergency.
“This is indeed a unique and new method for distributing qurban meat. It also fulfils the mayor’s request to preserve and maintain a clean environment free from waste,” Ragil said during an interview at the slaughter site on Wednesday, 27 May 2026.
He added that by asking residents to bring their own containers, the committee successfully reduced plastic usage significantly. This year, Masjid Istiqomah slaughtered one cow and nine goats, with all meat distributed without a single plastic bag from the committee.
Location: RW 14, Purwosari Village, Laweyan District, Solo
Number of animals: 1 cow and 9 goats
Method: Residents bring their own containers (pots/basins)
Purpose: Reduce plastic waste and support Solo City Government programme
Positive Community Response
Despite having to bring their own equipment from home, Purwosari residents welcomed the policy with open arms. Early outreach efforts ensured residents did not feel inconvenienced and instead took pride in contributing to environmental protection.
Mrs Joko, a local resident, expressed her support while queuing with a basin. “This distribution leaves no plastic waste behind. It’s a great idea from the committee and residents fully support it, especially as Solo is in a waste emergency,” she said while showing her received meat.
The joy was evident on residents’ faces as they queued orderly. The initiative from Purwosari village is hoped to inspire other mosques in Solo and beyond to adopt eco-friendly qurban concepts in the future.