Nagawati Surya, Empowerment Through Waste

Hana aims to reduce fashion waste, which she often refers to as “raw material”, so it no longer pollutes the environment. Hana wants to remain empowered.

KOMPAS/RIZA FATHONI

Nagawati Surya

Nagawati Surya, 58, who goes by the nickname Hana, recycles and repurposes fabric remnants, banners and gunnysacks. She uses them to make creative products with high value., her activities in repurposing waste into useful products not only contributes to saving the environment, but have also opened a way for Hana to empower herself as well as the people who live near her.

It all happened accidentally. Eight years ago, Hana, who had a limited understanding of sustainability, was faced with a challenge when she accepted an offer from the organizers of Indonesia Fashion Week to manage used banners and cloth remnants produced by the event.