THRIFTING AT TUGU PAHLAWAN SURABAYA: WHERE HISTORY, FASHION, AND POP CULTURE MEET

 

Behind the grandeur of Tugu Pahlawan in Surabaya, this historic landmark transforms every morning into a lively thrifting hub. Rows of secondhand clothing stalls fill the area, attracting young people hunting for affordable and unique outfits. Here, history meets pop culture—creating a vibrant, ever-evolving creative space.

One key figure in this bustling scene is Pak Hadi (42), a local seller from Surabaya who has been part of the Tugu Pahlawan thrifting community for 14 years. Relying on kilo-based stock, he knows exactly what items are in demand. According to him, the most sought-after pieces right now include windbreakers, denim jackets, cropped jackets, and short-sleeved polo shirts—items that have resurfaced thanks to the rising Y2K and retro aesthetics trending on social media.

“Vintage clothes are what people are looking for the most now,” he explains while tidying up his stall. His customers vary widely, from middle school students to university students and young workers searching for branded goods at budget-friendly prices. Pak Hadi consistently opens his stall from 5:00 AM to 10:00 AM, and he admits that business here is far better than at his physical store. “It sells better here than in the shop,” he says. For him, the thrill of hunting for unique items is the main magnet that keeps Tugu Pahlawan crowded.

Still, he faces challenges—especially in maintaining stock quality amid the rising popularity of thrifting in pop culture. Finding good items consistently isn’t easy, especially when buyers come with style references from TikTok, Instagram, or K-pop idols. Vintage outfits are no longer just a trend; they’ve become part of modern lifestyle.

On the buyer’s side, Fira (18), a first-time visitor from Solo, said she was impressed by the atmosphere and the variety of choices available. “I came here because I wanted cool clothes that are budget-friendly! Imagine—T-shirts for only 25 thousand rupiah,” she said excitedly. Pop culture heavily influences her preferences. “When I see K-pop idols or influencers wearing Y2K styles, I want to find something similar. Style inspiration? Definitely from TikTok!”

Beyond trends, Fira also appreciates the sustainability aspect of thrifting. “Thrifting is good for the environment; secondhand clothes get reused,” she added. However, she hopes the comfort of the area can be improved, as it tends to get hot and crowded.

From sellers who understand fashion trends to buyers influenced by pop culture, Tugu Pahlawan stands as a unique intersection between history and modern lifestyle. It is not just a marketplace, but a vibrant creative arena where past and present coexist—shaping the identity of Surabaya’s young fashion community.

Chewy, Savory, and Lively: The Night Market Atmosphere at Kodam Through Their Stories

On one particularly busy evening, several visitors and vendors shared their experiences while buying and selling at the Kodam Brawijaya Night Market. Rina (25), a sausage skewer vendor who was grilling sosis skewers, explained that she prepares her snacks carefully every time the night market opens. She said that the sausage skewers here taste savory, and the seasoning seeps deeply because they are grilled slowly over charcoal. According to her, she always maintains quality by using thick sausages so that each skewer feels substantial.

“Besides being delicious, the price is perfect for students—only 5,000 rupiah per skewer, except for the large sausage which is 10,000. That’s why whenever I come to the Kodam night market, this is the first food people look for,” she said with a smile. She adds that she arranges all the snacks neatly after a full day in the freezer so the taste and texture remain well-preserved.

The Kodam Brawijaya Night Market in Surabaya is open every:

Monday–Friday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM WIB

Saturday: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM WIB

Around these hours, the night market usually becomes crowded at about 6:00 PM, when visitors arrive after work or classes. Bright tent lights illuminate the area, the aroma of grilled snacks fills the air, and the lively yet orderly atmosphere becomes the hallmark of this night market.

A buyer named Sella (23) chose chikuwa as her favorite snack. She said that the grilled chikuwa and pentol have a chewy texture and a savory flavor. She also mentioned that chikuwa is rarely found in other night markets, making the Kodam Brawijaya Night Market feel more unique and varied.

“I really love it because it’s such a different kind of snack. And if it’s grilled a bit longer, the edges become crispy while the inside stays soft,” she explained.

However, she also noted that sometimes the texture is uneven and some parts are slightly undercooked due to the vendor rushing the grilling process.

Kopi Nako Daur Baur Surabaya: Aesthetic Coffee Shop Leading the Way in Sustainable Living

 

Amid the rapid growth of modern coffee shops in Surabaya, Kopi Nako Daur Baur, established in 2022, brings a refreshing new perspective. More than just an aesthetic hangout spot, this cafe has positioned itself as a role model for businesses that integrate sustainability, environmental awareness, and climate adaptation into their operations.

From the beginning, Kopi Nako Daur Baur committed itself to a simple principle: reduce waste and reuse what already exists. Almost all of its furniture—tables, chairs, shelves, even the restroom door—is made from recycled materials. This design choice not only creates a unique visual identity but also reflects the cafe’s dedication to circular economy practices and carbon footprint reduction.

Every corner of the café subtly communicates that environmental stewardship can begin with something as simple as repurposing materials creatively.

Barista Adi (23) shared insights about the cafe’s daily activity. According to him, customer flow remains steady on weekdays but spikes significantly on weekends.

“It’s busiest on Saturdays and Sundays. The visitors range from young people to older adults,” he said.

Popular signature drinks like Es Kopi Nako, Es Kopi Teko, and Susu Nako Gula Aren continue to dominate the menu. For non–coffee drinkers, items such as Matcha, Lychee Yakult, and the Yogurt Series are among the top picks.

Adi mentioned that one of the biggest challenges for baristas is maintaining consistency in flavor during rush hours, especially between 4:00 PM and 9:00 PM.

“Some customers ask for less sugar or stronger coffee, so we really have to stay focused,” he added.

This focus on consistency demonstrates the cafe’s adaptation to increasingly diverse consumer preferences while minimizing food and beverage waste.

One loyal customer, Dyah Ayu Romadhona (24), praised the atmosphere of the café.

“I choose Kopi Nako because it’s aesthetic, comfortable, and great for both relaxing and getting work done. The indoor and outdoor spaces are perfect for using your laptop or chatting,” she shared.

Besides the ambience, Dyah appreciates the quality of the drinks, particularly the matcha, which she described as “not too sweet and very rich.” This indicates a shift in consumer preferences toward beverages with more natural flavor profiles—possibly linked to ingredients sourced more sustainably, including Indonesian coffee beans whose characteristics every barista must understand.

With clean facilities, adequate charging outlets, and efficient service, the cafe delivers a consistently satisfying customer experience.

Despite its strengths, Dyah admits that distance and traffic congestion around the cafe can be a challenge. This highlights broader urban issues such as city infrastructure and transport-related pollution—key contributors to climate change.

Yet, in the midst of these challenges, Kopi Nako Daur Baur stands out as a meaningful solution: reducing waste, extending the life of materials, and maintaining efficient operations.

Kopi Nako Daur Baur Surabaya demonstrates that sustainability is not just a lofty idea—it is actionable and profitable. Through its recycled interior, efficient operational standards, and consumer-centered adaptations, the café exemplifies how businesses can contribute to climate mitigation.

The cafe shows that sustainable living is not merely a trend, but a future that can begin with something as simple as a cup of coffee.

If you want to know more about them, you can check on their Instagram @kopinako.id (official account) and @kopinako.daurbaur 

Outstanding Achievement: Tris Flower Transforms Plastic Waste into a World-Class Recycling Tourism Centre

 

SURABAYA – Starting from the initiative of local environmental activists, the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Tris Flower in Jambangan, Surabaya, has now transformed into a Craft Centre and even an internationally recognised educational recycling tourist attraction. Established in 2006, this SME, founded by husband and wife Sutrisno and Lusiani Sutrisno (Mrs Tris), proves that dedication to the environment can yield remarkable achievements, from the Kalpataru award to national competency certification.

The origins of Tris Flower trace back to the Jambangan Surabaya Recycling Initiative in 2007, driven by local environmental activists. This movement quickly yielded tangible results when senior environmental activists from Jambangan received the Kalpataru Award from President SBY in 2008.

In 2010, this recycling movement evolved into an official business unit and was introduced under the name Tris Flower as a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME).

“Our journey has been a long one. Initially, we just wanted our environment to be clean,” said Sutrisno, owner of Tris Flower. “But then, we thought about how to ensure that this waste was not only clean, but also provided added value. That is the philosophy behind the name Tris Flower.”

To date, Tris Flower has grown into a more professional business with ten employees involved in the production process. The raw materials used are entirely sourced from community empowerment initiatives, namely from local residents, dry waste collectors, the nearest waste bank, laundries, and BSIS. All plastic and textile waste is selected and processed into unique crafts such as bags, clothes, plastic flowers, and high-value souvenirs.

Since 2014, Tris Flower's achievements have continued to rise sharply. On 2 March 2014, Mrs Lusiani Sutrisno (Mrs Tris) received an Award Certificate from the then Minister of State-Owned Enterprises, Mr Dahlan Iskan. The peak of recognition came in 2015 when the Surabaya City Trade and Industry Agency appointed Tris Flower as the Surabaya Jambangan Recycling Craft Centre.

In the same year, on 6–7 November 2015, this centre was approved as a Recycling Tourist Attraction by the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism. The quality of its management has also been recognised globally, as evidenced by visits from delegations from 10 countries (February 2015) and 13 countries (January 2016) through collaboration with ITS.

“We are very proud that our handicrafts made from used bottles and plastic waste can be seen by guests from various countries,” said Mrs. Lusiani Sutrisno. “They come not only to buy, but also to learn about the community empowerment and environmental management systems that we implement here.”

The personal achievements of the managers complement the institution's accomplishments. On 1 December 2015, Sutrisno received a Certificate of Competence from the National Professional Certification Agency (BNSP), signifying official recognition of her expertise.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Lusiani Sutrisno's dedication as a manager was recognised again on 30 November 2017, when she received the Kalpataru award at the Surabaya City level.

“Awards are not the main goal, but proof that our consistency in managing the environment and empowering residents, especially mothers, has borne fruit. We hope Tris Flower will continue to be an inspiration for other regions in Indonesia,” concluded Mrs. Lusiana.

Tiara Handicraft, Surabaya’s Crown Jewel Driven by Heart and Disability Skills

 

Surabaya – Amidst the rapid growth of the modern textile industry, there is one name from Surabaya that stands out not only for the beauty of its products, but also for the human stories behind every stitch of fabric.

Its name is Tiara Handicraft, a textile craft business that has transformed into a platform for empowering people with disabilities.

In a heartfelt interview with Adit Rizal Winanda, Director of Tiara Handicraft, we were taken on an inspiring journey about how this business has survived, grown, and given new meaning to many people’s lives.

“At first, Tiara operated like any other business,” Adit began the conversation.

They produced various fabric crafts, such as bags, wallets, tablecloths, chair covers, and tissue holders. All designs were original creations by Ibu Titik, the founder and owner of Tiara Handicraft.

However, in 1999, the business nearly closed down. The turning point came when one of Mrs. Titik’s colleagues proposed an unconventional idea: what if we hire people with disabilities?

Initially, the team was hesitant, but the decision to try turned out to be a major turning point.

“From two people, it grew to four, six, eight, and now we have over 63 employees with disabilities,” Adit said proudly.

From there, they learned that running a business is not always about profit alone, but about meaning and social sustainability.

The philosophy behind the name “Tiara” means a crown for a princess. This meaning is not merely symbolic. According to Adit, the crown symbolises the elegance and strength of women, two things that are the main inspiration behind all their work.

“Since our products are mostly aimed at women, we want this work to elevate their status and pride,” he said.

Beyond creating beautiful products, Tiara Handicraft is committed to providing opportunities for everyone, especially people with disabilities, to demonstrate that limitations are not barriers to creativity and empowerment.

Today, Tiara Handicraft’s products are not only marketed domestically but also exported to the United States, the United Kingdom, Finland, and Japan.

On a monthly basis, their regular turnover reaches Rp15 million, with the potential for a significant increase during bazaar and exhibition seasons.

“Every December, we are often invited to expatriate events to showcase our products. From there, many overseas resellers are interested and bring the works of our friends with disabilities to other countries,” explained Adit.

Their production time is quite efficient — a large order such as 500 wallets can be completed in just two to three days.

In addition to selling finished products, Tiara is also active on the marketplace with her Shopee account “Tiara Handicraft Official”, which offers DIY accessories so customers can create their own designs at home.

Tiara's primary motivation for employing disabled friends is a spirit of collaboration and empathy.

They collaborate with the Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos) in the recruitment process, but also provide independent opportunities for people with disabilities who wish to learn.

For daily communication, Tiara's team adapts by understanding the lip movements and facial expressions of their disabled colleagues.

For new workers without experience in the textile field, Tiara provides direct training from seniors. If they are still in the learning phase, temporary wages are given to the mentor, but once they become independent, the income is entirely theirs.

Tiara Handicraft guarantees a lifetime after-sales service for damaged or defective products.

They also exclusively use eco-friendly materials, natural dyes, and colourfast fabrics — reflecting the philosophy that beauty must harmonise with environmental responsibility.

In addition to production, Tiara frequently organises visits, exhibitions, and direct sales to help disabled workers learn to interact and handle customer feedback.

“I want them to get used to being independent, able to sell and handle direct feedback. My role is simply to guide them,” Adit explained with a smile.

Today, Tiara Handicraft is not just a workplace but a community empowerment initiative that provides space for human potential and dignity.

From Surabaya, their works have inspired many both domestically and internationally — that true business is not just about profit, but about how we can sew hope into reality.

For those who wish to learn more about their work, visit their official Instagram account:

📸 @tiarahandicraft_sby

☕ Arek Coffee Surabaya: A Coffee Spot for the Arek Suroboyo That Will Make You “Sek Waras Tah!”

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Amidst the bustling modern cafe scene in Surabaya, there's one unique and storied hangout spot: Arek Coffee. Nestled in a Surabaya alley, this coffee shop has a simple yet warm concept—serving delicious coffee, affordable prices, and a comfortable atmosphere. It was established on November 10, 2023, coinciding with Heroes' Day—a moment deeply associated with the spirit of Surabaya's residents.

The choice of the name "Arek Coffee" was also not without reason. The word "arek" is a typical Surabayan greeting meaning young person. This concept reinforces local identity, making Arek Coffee not just a place to drink coffee, but also a symbol of Arek Suroboyo pride.

One of Arek Coffee's baristas, Ferdi from Mojokerto, shared stories about his daily life at this place. He's only 23 years old, but his work ethic is extraordinary.

"Most of the employees here are still in college, working while studying," said Ferdi. "But there's no requirement to be a student. Anyone can work here, even without experience."

Arek Coffee offers opportunities for anyone who wants to learn and develop. Basic experience can be learned on the spot. For Ferdi, the most memorable thing wasn't just the salary, but also the experience, relationships, and new friends. He also learned how to manage a business, something he rarely gets on campus.

"Working here is with friends, so I'm more enthusiastic. But yeah, my schedule is tight, and I rarely get to hang out with friends outside," he added with a laugh.

Arek Coffee employees work part-time, eight hours a day — from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM on weekdays and 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM on weekends. There are 18 employees in total, six of whom are not students.

They are active on Instagram and TikTok (@arek.coffee), two of the most effective social media platforms for promoting and sharing daily moments at the coffee shop.

For the menu, Arek Coffee offers a selection of must-try favorite drinks and foods.

* Kopi Aren and Vanca are two of the best-selling coffee menu items.

* For non-coffee options, Matcha is the number one choice.

* Meanwhile, in the food category, Nasi Goreng and Ramen are the mainstays for hungry visitors.

Pocket-friendly prices make Arek Coffee popular with many people—from students to young workers.

Arek Coffee's owner, Devito Karunia Susilo, is a native of Surabaya and now lives in Jakarta. The shop was opened on November 10, 2023, coinciding with Heroes' Day—a very meaningful moment for Surabayans.

The color green was chosen as a symbol of Persebaya, as well as a strong identity for the city of heroes. The name "Arek" itself comes from a traditional Surabaya nickname, meaning young person.

The Arek Coffee building was formerly a boarding house, then transformed into a warm and comfortable coffee shop. Despite being located in an alley, the atmosphere is actually very inviting—which is why Devito chose this location.

"I wanted to create a comfortable yet affordable coffee shop. Coffee doesn't have to be expensive," was the motivation behind Arek Coffee's founding.

Arek Coffee is also known for maintaining good relationships with the surrounding community. They actively participate in social activities such as donations, mosque assistance, and community thanksgiving events. Even when opening new locations, cleaning and parking are prioritized for local residents.

This approach has ensured a smooth licensing process, and residents feel a sense of ownership. Arek Coffee is an example of a business that thrives without neglecting the value of community.

Despite being founded on the historic date of November 10th, Arek Coffee doesn't typically hold events on that date. However, every Heroes' Day commemoration, the atmosphere at Arek Coffee always feels special—with various small activities that strengthen the community.

Interestingly, Arek Coffee doesn't use influencers for promotions. Instead, many customers voluntarily create their own content because they feel comfortable and it fits the concept of the place.

Their icon, "Sek Waras Tah," was born from a spontaneous idea—a typical Surabaya phrase meaning if you want to be sane, have coffee first.

Arek Coffee is more than just a coffee shop. Behind a cup of aren coffee and a calming green setting lies the spirit of Surabaya's young arek (arek) who work hard, study hard, and maintain relationships with others.

With a simple yet meaningful concept, Arek Coffee proves that even a small alleyway can be a powerful space for growth and development.

So, if you're feeling tired or need a place to heal, remember their signature message:

"Sek Waras Tah" — Have a Coffee First, Stay Sane!