VMCS Advisory Trusted by Penabulu, A Non-profit Institution, as a PR and Social Impact Consultant
Jakarta, December 17, 2024 – Responding to the challenge of poverty faced by 25.9 million Indonesians (BPS, June 2024), the Penabulu Foundation introduced a new initiative called Penabulu Shop with a vision of combining sustainable lifestyle and social efforts. Penabulu Shop is Indonesia’s first sustainable thrift shop with a social mission of alleviating poverty. VMCS is trusted as a communications and social impact consultant in programs carried out this year.
At the soft launch event held at MULA by Galeri Jakarta, Cilandak Town Square (CITOS), Penabulu Shop emphasized the importance of community contributions in supporting environmental sustainability while empowering local economies. This concept is inspired by the success of over 600 Oxfam Shops in the United Kingdom, which have helped combat poverty by strengthening local communities and promoting social justice.
The launch event was attended by Budiman Sudjatmiko, Head of the Poverty Alleviation Acceleration Agency (BP Taskin) of Indonesia, as the Keynote Speaker, Budi Santosa, Business Advisor of Penabulu Foundation;, Jeane Niode, Digital & Social Media Advisor of Penabulu Shop; and supported by sustainability advocate, Elvera N. Makki, Sustainable Communication Trends Observer, along with public figures such as musician Mytha Lestari and actressIndah Permata Sari.
Elvera stated, “The trend of pirchasing preloved clothing in developed countries increased significantly between 2018-2023, particularly in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Spain. This Statista Consumer Insights survey, conducted with 2,000-10,000 respondents aged 18-64, showed the highest increase in the United Kingdom at 8%. It’s no surprise that Oxfam Shops have been thriving there.”
Elvera further explained, “To encourage our society to embrace thrifting, many ideas and initiatives can be implemented to raise awareness about environmentally friendly lifestyles. Every item we own carries a story and special memories. Those stories can continue with thrift shops while simultaneously reducing waste, preserving the planet, and creating new economic opportunities.”
The event concluded with donations of items from the guests.
