Usman, the happy genius of recycling

Text and photos by Suhardiansyah

JAKARTA (JP): In the hands of Usman unused objects can be transformed into usable kitchen appliances. This 35-year-old man produces appliances such as stoves and traditional rice cookers. By doing so he manages to support his two wives and three children.

"The materials that I use mostly consist of unused objects, which people in general fail to utilize to the fullest," he said.

Usman owns a store, which is also his workshop, located at Jl. Dewi Sartika, East Jakarta and employs seven workers. In one month, his workshop is able to produce around 100 stoves. Not only that, Usman receives orders to repair broken kitchen appliances from housewives daily.

"It is much more economical this way, than buying a new stove," comments Rahmi, who was waiting for her stove to be repaired.

Usman and his workers always manage to produce good quality kitchen appliances from scrap. Materials such as unused aluminum barrels and steel sheets costing Rp 15 per kg are mostly the materials used to produce the kitchen appliances. But, the bolts, screws, and paint are relatively costly, yet are considered necessary in order to ensure the quality and safety of the products.

There are several stages in producing the appliances. First is to sort out the raw materials which are still usable. Then, the materials are thoroughly washed, afterwards they are cut in sheets, and then shaped according to their future usage. After the materials are shaped, then required components are assembled with them. Thus, the new appliance is ready to be sold.

Despite the vast technology which gives birth to electric or gas stoves, kerosene stoves still have a market, even in a big city like Jakarta. One of the main reasons must be the low price.

For a stove, Usman sells within the range Rp 20,000 to Rp 40,000. Usman said he has no problem in marketing his products.

"Aside from Jakarta, I also sell my goods in Depok and the Bogor region, West Java. In one month, we may sell up to 300 units," Usman said.

Even with the considerable success that Usman has achieved, he is not tempted to expand his company. He prefers to keep it on a small scale, and work closely with his assistants. "As long as I am able to support my family and pay the workers, I am content with I am currently making."