Rusmiati Turns Used Paper into Crafts, Turnover Reaches IDR 5 Million a Month

BULELENG, GARISBUMI.com – A pile of used newspapers became the start of a business for Luh Rusmiati, a woman from Sudaji Village, Buleleng Regency, Bali. Through Gegaen Lima Craft, he processes used paper into crafts with a turnover estimated to reach around IDR 5 million per month.

Business income is not always the same every month. However, since starting to study independently in 2016, Rusmiati has continued to develop products, from simple baskets to furniture in the form of tables and chairs.

"Initially I saw a pile of newspapers in my relative's house. I wanted to make a basket for mineral water. After a relative was interested and asked to make it, it finally developed and someone asked to make other products such as bowls," he said when met at his gallery, Friday (2/10/2026), as reported on the Buleleng Regency Government website.

Without special education in the field of crafts, this resident of Banjar Dinas Ceblong learned to process paper into items that can be reused and also have resale value.

The results of the experiment initially attracted the attention of people around. Demand also increased, encouraging Rusmiati to develop a business which was later named Gegaen Lima Craft.

Used Paper Exchanged for Craft Products

The products made by Rusmiati now include pencil cases, trays, coasters, key chains, bowls, and even tables and chairs.

The raw materials come from various types of waste paper. Some newspapers were purchased, while other papers were obtained from donations from friends.

Rusmiati also applies a barter system. People who give used paper may receive crafts, such as pencil cases or small trays.

"I usually buy newspapers. Many other papers I get from donations from friends. Sometimes I barter, they give me the paper, then I give them a pencil case or a small tray," he explained.

This method helps Rusmiati obtain raw materials while involving people around her in reusing used paper.

Product prices vary. Key chains are sold starting at around IDR 5,000 each. The tables and chairs are offered in sets, with prices depending on the type and size.

Products Have Been Brought to Japan and Africa

Rusmiati crafts are not only popular with local buyers. In 2017, he collaborated with a craft shop in Denpasar. Through this collaboration, products in the form of coasters and trays have been brought to Japan and Africa.

Tourists who stay overnight near his place of business also buy these crafts as souvenirs to take home.

To expand marketing, Rusmiati has participated in exhibitions and promotions of local products several times, including the Lovina Festival, Buleleng Festival, as well as activities at the sub-district level.

According to him, the opportunity to take part in exhibitions helps introduce products to more potential buyers.

Rusmiati hopes that her business can continue to grow and open up opportunities for local residents to join in the work.

"The hope is that this business will continue to develop. I also hope that there will be people around me who will join in developing this business, so that it can provide more benefits for the people around us," he said.

Support for Used Paper Craft Businesses

Head of Sudaji Village, I Made Ngurah Fajar Kurniawan, appreciated Rusmiati's creativity in processing waste paper into economically valuable products.

"The Sudaji Village Government really supports and appreciates the spirit of our MSMEs. One of them is managing paper waste which is processed into works of art which can later be marketed throughout the archipelago and the world," he said.

Fajar said the village government is trying to help MSMEs face capital, marketing and business development problems. Support is provided through coaching and collaboration with various parties.

For Rusmiati, this opportunity begins with materials that are often considered no longer useful. Used paper is processed into new goods, then becomes a source of income that he wants to develop together with local residents.