The Story of Pandi Mulayana, Collecting Garbage for Art to Making ExhibitionsBANDUNG, KOMPAS.com - "And struggle is the implementation of words," this fragment of WS Rendra's poem may deserve to be attached to an artist from Rancaekek, Bandung Regency.It is Pandi Mulyana (38), an artist who totally dedicates his life to the environment.For him, environmental issues are not only thought about and discussed.However, it must be done more than words.Also read: The story of Pandi, a madman from Rancaekek who makes trash into a beautiful workWhen passing through Jalan Walini in Rancaekek on Sunday (5/6/2022), various unique works of art were lined up.There are paintings with landscapes, flower vases, bonsai replicas, aquariums, plaques, and tables.Everything is decorated with natural colors, such as brown, red, or green.Instead of being made from oil paints or color paints, Pandi uses the trash around his neighborhood to create beautiful masterpieces.Pampers or diapers, used masks, used plastic packaging, and used tires are transformed into beautiful works of art.This inaugural exhibition along Jalan Walini was created by Pandi to commemorate Environment Day.The choice of Jalan Walini, Babakan Asta Village, Rancaekek Wetan Village to exhibit about 100 of his artworks is not without reason.For him, the way of Walini has a special meaning.Back in mid 2018, Pandi remembers that all the streets of Walini are full of garbage.In fact, the street of Walini is never deserted.People always use it to pass by.That was the first moment for him to be aware of environmental problems.At that time, Pandi began to feel uncomfortable with piles of garbage along the road not far from his house.He was determined to clean up the trash.Some are sold, some are processed into works of art."And thank God, within 4 years our struggle to change Jalan Walini was successful. Without any budget from any party we use capital by selling waste. We sell waste, we give the results for the purposes of a work," he told Kompas.com on Jalan Walini , Sunday (5/6/2022).KOMPAS.COM/M.Elgana Mubarokah Pandi Mulyana "Crazy People" from Babakan Asta Village, Rancaekek Wetan Village, Rancaekek District, Bandung Regency, West Java, held an exhibition of his work produced from various types of waste.In addition to displaying 100 of his works, the exhibition with the theme "Rancaekek Imagination" also featured the Kasunda Theater and a Workshop on making flower vases from Diapers material (Gampah Pampers)."So, our intention is to display it on Jalan Walini because there are many people passing by and coincidentally, Jalan Walini in 2018 was full of piles of garbage. So I took the initiative to find out how to make Jalan Walini clean and create a masterpiece," he said.This inaugural exhibition which coincides with Environment Day carries the theme "Rancaekek Imagination".The meaning of the theme, said Pandi, is his personal goals and aspirations to make Rancaekek clean from waste."That's right, so the title is Rancaekek Imaginasi, which has the theme of changing the area with garbage," he said.Besides exhibiting 100 pieces of his work, the event also featured the Kasunda Theater.The theater, which is mostly played by small children, is themed about environmental issues.Pandi also introduced the people who came to visit about how to make art from waste, especially making pots or flower vases from diapers."There was a theatrical performance, a workshop on making flower vases from diapers and a performance of my work as well," said Pandi.KOMPAS.COM/M.Elgana Mubarokah Pandi Mulyana "Crazy People" from Babakan Asta Village, Rancaekek Wetan Village, Rancaekek District, Bandung Regency, West Java, held an exhibition of his work produced from various types of waste.In addition to displaying 100 of his works, the exhibition themed "Rancaekek Imagination" also featured the Kasunda Theater and a Workshop on making flower vases from Diapers (Pampers Garbage).Although from his hands were born beautiful works.On that occasion, Pandi had absolutely no intention of selling his work.Pandi explained that money is not a measure to work.When, he must determine the price for his work, then for him, his work has lost its essence.For now, he only opens donations for anyone so that he can continue the process of turning waste into beautiful works."At first we wanted to put a price, but my little heart didn't give it that way, even though we told everyone at the exhibition that his work would be priced, but in my small heart I didn't give it. So if anyone wants it, please come to the Mang Pandi Creative House. At least for now we are not buying and selling, at least if you want please donate to our activities," he said.Although he has given half of his life for the environment.Pandi said the environmental conditions in Rancaekek Sub-district did not change significantly."If the garbage in the Rancaekek environment is still the same, the garbage is still scattered everywhere," he said.Pandi said that he would not lower his enthusiasm in the slightest until the meaning of the "Imagination Rancaekek" theme could be realized."So our goal is to hold this exhibition in the hope that many people will duplicate this activity, and it can be carried out in their respective regions, and the next Pandi Pandi will happen," he said.So far, the public's response to the exhibition has been very positive.Even so, the stigma of "Crazy People" is still attached to him.Even so, he does not care about the claims of society about him.He told Kompas.com that the stigma of "Crazy People" actually gave him additional energy to create new works."Thank God the community's response was very enthusiastic, but at first the community response was considered crazy, like irresponsible people, because with our behavior like this. But that's our way to change an area," he explained.Pandi hopes that his exhibition can inspire anyone to take action for the environment.Moreover, this bald-headed man wants to spread awareness to the public that waste can be something useful."My biggest hope is that this exhibition can inspire everyone, all people, especially those who pass through Jalan Walini and introduce the fact that the garbage in the environment can actually be turned into a work and made something that can be useful," he explained.Meanwhile, one of the visitors, Aris Fattah (29), a resident of Rancaekek Wetan Village, said he was amazed and did not expect Pandi Mulyana's works.Read also: The romance of Sukarno's parents, Soekemi's teacher who fell in love with a Balinese girlAt first, Aris did not know that the works made and displayed were made from waste materials."I am amazed and respectful, this is all garbage, Kang Pandi made it himself, I am amazed," he said.Aris came with his friends, he admitted that he knew about the Kang Pandi exhibition from social media."I found out from Facebook and some friends posted on IG Story, so on Sunday I came here on purpose," he explained.Seeing Pandi's work made of trash, Aris admitted that he salutes the artists in Bandung Regency, especially those who are moved by environmental issues."Honestly, I feel proud, if there are many people like Pandi, the environment in Rancaekek District can be clean," he explained.Write your comments with the hashtag #JernihBerkomentar and win e-vouchers for 90 winners!Get information and insight selected by Kompas.com editorsDouble check and complete your data.Your data will be used for account verification when you need assistance or when unusual activity is found on your account.Immediately complete your data to join the #JernihBerkomentar program.