One of the craftsmen is Hartati, from Dukong Village, Tanjung Pandan district, Bangka Belitung. She started producing the straws in 2019 with three assistants from her own family and neighbours, reported Bisnis Jakarta.
She did not expect the eco-friendly products would receive the support of the local government and introduced at local products exhibitions.
Using her own money as start-up capital and local government assistance, Hartati now even markets her product to Jakarta, Bali and Surabaya. (rr)