Wayan Transforms Beach Wood Waste into High-Value Export Crafts

Denpasar – Piles of wood washed ashore by waves often contribute to beach waste problems in Bali, including in the Tabanan area. However, in the hands of Wayan Sudira, this marine wood waste is not simply an environmental problem.

From the wood that washes up on the beaches, he saw an opportunity to create works of art, open up economic opportunities, and help the government’s efforts to reduce beach waste.

Through Ulu Sari Handicraft, Wayan processes marine wood waste into high-value craft products, in line with the spirit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly point 12 on responsible consumption and production, and point 14 on protecting marine ecosystems.

Since joining PNM ULaMM (Micro Enterprise Service Unit) in 2017, Wayan has gained access to financing and regular business support. This support has helped strengthen Ulu Sari Handicraft’s efforts to develop more strategically.

Currently, the business he built has two workshops located in Singaraja and Tegallalang, employing 45 people. Many of them are relatives, local residents, and former workers who were affected by layoffs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Who would have thought that from what was initially an environmental problem, a new livelihood could be created for many families?

At a time when many micro and small businesses were weakened by the pandemic, Ulu Sari Handicraft actually received increasing demand from international markets. To date, almost every day, Wayan’s works are shipped to various countries such as New Zealand, Australia, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and the United States.

For Wayan, this achievement is not just about business, but also about gratitude for being able to transform something that was previously considered waste into a benefit for the environment and others.

“I believe all of this is thanks to God’s way. From discarded wood, thank God it can become sustenance for families, for employees, and for people around us. So what we can do is continue to be grateful, maintain trust, and work as best as possible,” said Wayan.

This story is an example of how PNM financing and support can expand the impact of micro and small businesses, not only from an economic perspective but also socially and environmentally. Ulu Sari Handicraft shows that empowerment can grow from awareness of problems in the surrounding environment.