DIY Craft Recipes – Broom stick craftsmanship is one of Indonesia’s traditional cultural heritages born from the creativity of rural communities. Originally, a Broom Stick—or broomstick—was simply a household cleaning tool used to sweep yards or gardens. Over time, however, the lidi material, which comes from the midribs of coconut or sugar palm leaves, has evolved into a versatile material used in various handcrafted products that combine aesthetic beauty and economic potential.
Today, Broom Stick is no longer just a cleaning tool. It has become a decorative craft, a souvenir for tourists, and even an export product with high artistic value. Its unique texture, durability, and flexibility make lidi a popular natural material for many forms of artistic expression.
Origin and Development
(Who creates it and where is it made?)
Broom Stick crafts are commonly found in rural areas across Indonesia, particularly in Central Java, Yogyakarta, Sumatra, and Bali. Local communities in these regions have long utilized coconut and palm trees not only for food and building materials but also as a source of raw material for handicrafts.
The craftsmen—often women or small family groups—clean and dry the lidi midribs before tying or weaving them into functional or decorative objects using traditional methods. In villages such as Bojonegoro (East Java) and Tasikmalaya (West Java), this craft has been passed down through generations. Today, many artisans have transformed their homes into small workshops and even market their creations digitally through social media and online marketplaces.
The Crafting Process
Creating Broom Stick crafts requires patience, precision, and creativity. It begins with selecting high-quality lidi, which should be mature, firm, and free from cracks. After cleaning and drying them under the sun, artisans cut and assemble the sticks according to the desired design.
For traditional brooms, the lidi sticks are tightly bound with natural fibers or rattan strips. For modern decorative crafts—such as flower vases, wall art, lampshades, coasters, or miniature houses—the sticks are often combined with other materials like bamboo, fabric, or glue. Artistic creativity and innovation play a major role in determining the uniqueness and value of each product.
Economic Value and Business Opportunities
(Why is it important?)
Broom Stick crafts represent one of Indonesia’s promising small-scale industries. Because the raw materials are easily available and inexpensive, the production cost is low, making it accessible for small entrepreneurs.
With skill and creativity, artisans can transform simple natural materials into high-value art pieces. Some Indonesian craftsmen have even succeeded in exporting their products to Malaysia, Japan, and the Netherlands, where eco-friendly and handmade goods are in high demand. Depending on the complexity of the design, prices can range from a few dollars to over a hundred per item.
This industry also provides employment opportunities for rural women who wish to support their family’s income while working from home. It has become a sustainable model of local empowerment that blends tradition and modern entrepreneurship.
Cultural and Environmental Significance
The Broom Stick craft embodies more than economic value—it also represents cultural heritage and environmental awareness. In traditional philosophy, a broom made of many lidi sticks symbolizes strength in unity—a single stick breaks easily, but together they become powerful and useful. This symbolic meaning is why broom stick is often featured in cultural rituals symbolizing spiritual cleanliness and cooperation.
From an environmental perspective, broom stick crafts utilize natural and biodegradable materials, helping reduce organic waste from coconut or palm trees. This aligns with the global movement toward green economy practices and sustainable living.
Read More: “Indonesia’s Crypto Rules: Legal Trading, Illegal Payments“
Innovation and the Future of Lidi Crafts
(When and how is it developing?)
In recent years, broom stick crafts have experienced growing popularity, especially as global demand for eco-friendly and ethnic-inspired products increases. Artisans are experimenting with modern designs, natural dyes, and creative packaging to attract both domestic and international markets.
Local governments and small business agencies have started organizing training programs and craft exhibitions to support artisans in improving product quality and marketing. With digital technology, broom stick products can now reach global audiences, bridging the gap between traditional artisans and modern consumers.
The art of broom stick craftsmanship reflects the spirit of innovation through simplicity. From what seems like an ordinary material, artisans create meaningful works that blend tradition, artistry, and sustainability.
As long as creativity continues to flourish and markets expand, broom stick crafts will remain an enduring symbol of Indonesia’s cultural richness and eco-conscious craftsmanship. By preserving this tradition, local artisans not only sustain their livelihood but also contribute to the broader vision of a sustainable creative economy.
