Dozens of Employees Affected by the Pandemic, Portable Sink from BUMDes Tridadi Makmur Becomes a Lifeline

Kapanlagi.com - Not just an innovation, the portable sink created by BUMDes Tridadi Makmur, Sleman, Yogyakarta, has become a new economic field for residents affected by the corona Covid-19 pandemic. Starting from a playful idea, the production of portable sinks has been flooded with orders.

The habit of washing hands with soap has become a mandatory practice during the corona pandemic. This seems to have sparked a creative idea for the management of BUMDes Tridadi Makmur, Sleman Yogyakarta, to create portable sinks.

The portable sink is operated through a step system for both water and soap. According to Agung Prasetya, one of the managers responsible for purchasing materials and supervision, BUMDes Tridadi Makmur Sleman revealed that it all started as an experiment.

The idea of ​​making the sink emerged since the corona virus pandemic entered Indonesia, especially Yogyakarta, which occurred from late March to April. Based on Agung Prasetya's statement, the creation of the portable sink was an idea from Agus Choliq, the Director of BUMDes Tridadi Makmur Sleman. Eventually, it resulted in the creation of a step system sink like the current one after undergoing several updates and improvements.

"Since late March, at first it was just an experiment, making only one. Mr. Agus asked my friend to modify the sink, one, and then gave a photo of its shape." Continuously made by myself, so I kept trying why someone ordered," said Agung Prasetya when interviewed by the Kapanlagi.com team, Friday, (13/11/2020).

Marketed through social media accounts, the demand for portable sinks has started to increase and is favored by various groups of people. As a result, the flood of orders is starting to be felt by portable sink makers who recruit workers affected by the pandemic.

"Marketing through Facebook, then many people ordered. Previously, orders reached 15 sinks and 20 sinks per day. Employees are friends around here," explained Agung Prasetya.

1. Flood of Orders from Local and Regional Areas

(credit: Nurul Wahida)

The creation of portable sinks from BUMDes Tridadi Makmur, Sleman Yogyakarta has received orders not only from local areas but also from other regions. One of them was sent to Jakarta, Salatiga, and Solo. Several prestigious universities have ordered a significant number of portable sinks, reaching dozens of units.

"In the past, the most orders came from UGM, around 50-70 units, UNS Solo ordered 20 sinks, UMY, and other places. We have also sent them to Jakarta, but mostly it's still within the Jogja area, still local," said Agung Prasetya.

The flood of orders has been experienced by the managers of portable sink production for approximately two months. These portable sinks also have specific criteria depending on the order and usage. The differences lie in the height and materials used.

The standard height of the sink is usually around 80 cm, but for elementary school children, the height is approximately 70 cm, while for kindergarten children, it's around 60 cm. Meanwhile, one unit of portable sink is priced from 750 thousand to 1 million rupiah, depending on the materials, shape, and specific criteria.

2. Recruiting Workers Affected by the Pandemic

(credit: Nurul Wahida)

Thanks to a new innovation in the production of portable sinks pioneered by Agus Choliq, Director of BUMDes Tridadi Makmur, Sleman. Now, this creation has become a new source of livelihood for a number of people who have been laid off due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. Among these workers are hotel employees, catering employees, musicians, tent rental employees, and screen printers.

Although they do not have specific experience in the field of portable sinks, these workers can produce around 15 to 20 units per day. Initially, this amount of work was done by a dozen people, and currently, there are still about six people involved in the production of sinks.

"Some of the workers are already familiar with welding, while others have never had experience in making sinks using the welding process. Some of them come from screen printing, band members, and tent rental. Some have returned to their original jobs," said Agung Prasetya.

3. Surviving During the Corona Covid-19 Pandemic

(credit: Nurul Wahida)

The impact of the corona virus pandemic that has occurred since the beginning of this year has had a big influence on the profession of Beny (30), one of the workers in the portable sink making industry. The man who was originally a musician had to take a break for two months. According to his statement, he revealed that before the pandemic, he could perform three to four times a week, both off air and on air.

"Since the corona, gatherings have been prohibited. The effect of that is that entertainment is rare. In a week, I can perform three to four times, both off air and on air," said Beny, a worker in the portable sink making industry, on Saturday, (14/11/2020).

Beny was initially confused about his profession as a musician after being interrupted for about two months. However, not long after, he received an offer to join the portable sink making industry, directly invited by Agus Choliq, the Director of BUMDes Tridadi Makmur, Sleman.

"I have known Pak Agus Choliq for a long time, he asked me to come because I happened to be free. I also didn't have a job, so I went to his house." This is a coincidence, Mr. Choliq actually came up with this idea. Finally, he invited Mr. Choliq to help create a portable sink," he continued.

Previously, Beny also had basic skills in welding that he acquired since he was in school. He was given the task of welding and assembling the portable sink due to his basic skills. This musician apparently is also interested in entrepreneurship, which is why he immediately accepted the offer to join in the production of the sink.

"It's just a coincidence, actually I like entrepreneurship, actually more towards that direction, entrepreneurship, and coincidentally, I also saw it from the manufacturing processes, so I am more interested in entrepreneurship. Especially with my existing basic skills," Beny said.

4. Still Active in Making Portable Sinks

(credit: Nurul Wahida)

Flexible work activities also make Beny feel comfortable with his job. In one day, he and his team have even completed around five to ten units of portable sinks. However, now his activities as a band player are slowly starting to receive gig offers again, although not as many as before. He still participates in making sinks with a planned work schedule.

"Actually, it has started to balance out, when there are no jobs outside, I come here. If not, I come here in the morning and do gigs at night," said Beny.

The making of portable sinks, according to Beny, can be said to be a lifeline during the pandemic. He hopes that the pandemic can end soon and life can return to normal. Beny also continues to think positively and implement health protocols.

"It was very helpful, me and my friends are very grateful to Mr. Choliq. He has embraced us young friends who have been laid off, terminated. When the corona pandemic started, many employees were put on leave only once or twice a week," Beny continued in his statement.

Although recently there has been a decrease in demand for portable sinks, Agung Prasetya, one of the managers of the portable sink production, expressed his hope that the business would continue to run.

(kpl/nlw)