Moment of Truth for Plered and Kasongan Earthenware Business

Kompas/AGUS SUSANTO

Pottery craftsman activity in Anjun Village, Plered District, Purwakarta, West Java, Saturday (27/7/2020). During the Covid-19 pandemic, public interest in local pottery increased.

The pandemic has seen the potter’s wheel at the Plered earthenware center in Purwakarta, West Java, spin faster and faster. However, more than just adding to rupiah coffers, the pandemic also teaches lessons on the importance of innovation.

It has been a long time since Mamit, 41, last felt such a passion for work. On Saturday (8/8/2020), his body was covered in brown clay. His sharp eyes guided his skilled hands in processing 1.5 quintals of clay mixed with water and sand. From that much material, he can make 70-80 flower clay pots with a diameter of 15 centimeters and a height of 19 cm. And there are many orders.