What was once seen as useless waste has now sparked a simple yet powerful idea to fuel the creative economy and improve livelihoods. In July 2024, Bana Sentra was born with a mission: transforming banana sheaths into beautiful, eco-friendly crafts.

This initiative began with the concerns of Firdaus Sari Asta, a student at STMIK Komputama Majenang, who often witnessed floods in his hometown of Cilacap. One hidden culprit was the unmanaged banana sheath waste that piled up and clogged waterways. Determined to find a solution, Firdaus experimented with processing the waste into handicrafts—wallets, lanyards, card holders, and more. What started as a trial quickly gained traction. Demand exceeded expectations, orders kept coming in, and the small workshop suddenly needed more helping hands.

To meet this growing demand, Firdaus decided to involve local mothers as production partners. But the decision was not only about increasing workforce—it was about empowerment. By engaging housewives, Bana Sentra tapped into the often-overlooked potential of women in the community. This step also aligned with SDG Goal 5: Gender Equality, opening opportunities for family income growth and reinforcing women’s roles in building stronger communities. “Our mothers are incredible—always full of energy and dedication in every production process,” Firdaus shared proudly.

From this humble beginning, Bana Sentra’s impact began to expand. In 2024, the initiative was awarded Best of the Best at Bumi Berseru Fest (BBF), a collaborative platform for eco-friendly innovations initiated by Telkom Indonesia. For Firdaus, this recognition was more than just a trophy—it was a turning point.

“The Bumi Berseru Fest program has truly been a breakthrough for us. As a small business born out of environmental concerns, BBF’s support opened doors that once seemed closed. The capital and access we received were not just financial help, but also motivation to keep moving forward. Our next goal is to scale up—empowering more housewives and even engaging disability communities to co-create eco-friendly products with economic value,” Firdaus explained.

Now in 2025, Bumi Berseru Fest returns with even greater enthusiasm, calling for ideas and innovations that bring real environmental impact. This year’s competition features four categories: Action for the Earth, Nature Through the Lens, Eco Product Innovation, and Green Technology & Sustainable Innovation. Registration runs from August 23 to September 30, 2025, offering selected participants the chance to receive funding and development support worth hundreds of millions of rupiah.

Through BBF, Telkom Indonesia seeks to connect the small steps of communities, academics, and MSMEs into a bigger movement—one that protects the planet while creating opportunities for sustainable growth.