‘To the Sasak people of Lombok, the earth is not only what rests beneath their feet,
but also the ancient source of creativity that lives within each person’s soul.”
Reimagining Traditional Crafts
The artwork created by Plastik Kembali brings this concept to life in a revolutionary way: by addressing one of Lombok’s greatest challenges — plastic waste, causing harm to the land and sea — and transforming it through one of Lombok’s greatest strengths: traditional arts and crafts.
Through plastic pick-ups and pay-for-plastic programs, Plastik Kembali helps clean up South Lombok while creating an income stream for waste pickers, local community members, school programs and more.
A core principle of Plastik Kembali is to create meaningful employment and learning opportunities for local community neighbors, elevating the level of our product craftsmanship while creating sustainable jobs that pay fair wages.
By exploring the possibilities of working with single-use plastic, the artisans at Plastic Kembali help us realize plastic “waste” is actually a resource loaded with creative potential. Then, by reimagining crafts passed down through generations, they spark a new kind of connection to the very soul of Lombok culture.
Reconnecting to the Soul of Lombok
While plastic waste remains a challenge across many local villages, Plastik Kembali shines a light on what can be possible when we all return to the soul of Lombok: a creative life rooted in love of nature; a community that nurtures connection and peace; one family living in harmony and hope for a sustainable future.
RECYCLED MATERIAL:
To date, Plastik Kembali has developed over 50 new products recycled over 250,000 plastic bags and 2.5 tons of Polypropylene Plastic. Their latest exhibition is located at Lombok International Airport.
TEAM
The Plastik Kembali team consists of three managers and 45+ local rattan and bamboo weavers, traditional textile weavers and artisans specializing in creating unique products with our signature “tali” – hand-twisted recycled plastic and scrap fabric or natural fiber rope. Plastik Kembali also partners with local silversmiths and metal workers as well as welders and wood workers.
SHOP + STUDIO
The Plastik Kembali shop and studio is located in Selong Belanak, Lombok where products are available for sale as well as where public or private workshops are held. Products are also available for order through their online catalogue.
Photos by Dedy Andrianto @imyourdedy
Follow IG @plastikkembali
Check out their Website plastikkembali.com
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