Malang Entrepreneur Employs Ex-Convicts to Make Wooden Sunglasses
12 August 2016 20:26 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Malang - A workshop in Malang is running at full steam, churning out wooden frames for spectacles and sunglasses. "We mainly use wood that would otherwise go to waste from the furniture industry, mainly teak and rosewood," said Muhammad Theo Zainuri, the owner of Sahawood, on Friday, August 12, 2016. "We have managed to export batches as far as the UK and Australia."
Zainuri said that teak and rosewood are chosen because of its beautiful timber which allows his staff to explore different styles and further their craftsmanship further. "We have 18 different styles, just one year since we opened the door of our workshop," he said.
Wooden sunglasses are unusual products, but the product is not the only thing worth mentioning. The staffs behind Sahawood also have their own, interesting stories - as Sahawood employs ex-prisoners who seek to turn their lives around, as well as people who have to live their lives with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
Each of Zainuri's staff went through a rigorous screening process before they could begin working, to ensure that all staff in Sahawood's workshop are all of a good character. "I refuse to employ people with on-going drugs addictions, and anyone who tests positive for drugs will be suspended," he said.
"I want to help these people, as they often have very limited access to the formal job market due to their status as former criminals and HIV-positive individuals," said Zainuri.
With ten people, Zainuri manages to produce 15 spectacles and sunglasses each day. The frames are hand-finished in Malang, but the lenses are installed in Surabaya. "We could expect around Rp5 million every month as profit," he said.
Some of the profit are currently funneled through Malang's Sadar Hati Foundation, which seeks to raise awareness about the rights of HIV/AIDS individuals and helps former drug users stay on track.
Sahawood aims to produce 250 frames a day to meet the market's demand. "Our products have been received quite well by the market - especially in Europe, where recycled goods can fetch high prices," said Zainuri.
"Hopefully, we could attract more capital to increase the size of our operations," finished Zainuri.
EKO WIDIANTO