Artistica Jewelry, an MSME based in Ngagel Tama Selatan, Surabaya, has redefined the perception of high-class jewelry by creating exquisite pieces from recycled glass waste instead of traditional materials like gold, silver, or gemstones. Sieltje Kurniawan, the owner, champions the concept of turning waste into valuable jewelry, collaborating with other MSMEs and focusing on youth development. This ethos is reflected in their gallery's impressive collection of jewelry crafted from discarded items. Currently, 90% of Artistica Jewelry's products have been exported to Sweden, Puerto Rico, and Malaysia. Sieltje explained, "Despite glass being considered worthless or hazardous, we accepted the challenge after numerous international clients requested jewelry made from recycled materials. As a result, we started producing plastic, glass (from perfume bottles, broken ceramics, and cups), and waste from pearl oyster shells, fashioning them into brooches, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces." To meet orders, Sieltje collaborates with jewelry and gemstone craftsmen in Pasuruan, East Java. Their traditional craftsmanship skillfully fashions recycled glass into gem-like structures, demanding precision in cutting and faceting. "We collaborate to empower these artisans, striving for more than just profit but also social, economic, and environmental missions," expressed Sieltje, who took over the business from her parents in 2016.
Moreover, Artistica Jewelry partners with scavengers, orphanages, offers internships to vocational school and university students, and collaborates with entities such as the Diaspora, local government departments, and others, to support production and market their products locally, internationally, and through foreign e-commerce. Fajar Djoko Santoso, Pertamina's VP Corporate Communication, highlighted that MSMEs focusing on environmental issues have greater opportunities to expand globally. Pertamina's mentoring programs for these MSMEs integrate Go Green initiatives into their business operations. Indonesia's jewelry and precious items' export market share reached 1.6% in 2022, ranking 17th among global exporters. Reni Yanita, Director General of Small, Medium, and Miscellaneous Industry (IKMA) at the Ministry of Industry (Kemenperin), emphasized the industry's potential for growth in enhancing its market share and competitiveness, particularly in an era of globalization and heightened competition.
Source: https://www.neraca.co.id/article/192275/perhiasan-zero-waste-tembus-pasar-ekspor
