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Jakarta's 'sad clowns': Boon for costume businesses
The sudden increase in people hitting the streets in costumes has been a boon for the costume industry, but some point to the bigger issues of unskilled labor and an inadequate social safety net.
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Daryanto, who lost his baby daughter, his wife and his job last year, is recognizable by his bright green frog costume. The proliferation of 'badut jalanan' (street clown) over the last year has led to a boom in the costume retail and rental industry. (JP/Adi Renaldi)
Part 2: Thriving costume business
It isn't all tragedy, however. On the supply side of the informal badut jalanan (street clown) sector, costume retail and rental businesses have actually been thriving during the health crisis.
Facebook Groups selling new and secondhand costumes see thousands of users looking to buy or sell costumes. One such group is Jual Beli Aksesoris Badut Se Indonesia (buy/sell clown accessories in Indonesia), which has at least 1,700 members.
Costume producers and suppliers are ready to ship their products across the archipelago, and the choices are endless. Looking for Marvel superhero costumes? Check. Want a bespoke costume? Check.
Prices range from Rp 500,000 to Rp 3 million, depending on the complexity and quality of the costume. Secondhand costumes come for much cheaper, so are a more affordable option for people turning to performing as badut jalanan to make ends meet.
For example, one Facebook user posted on a discussion board that they had a budget of Rp 400,000 for a badut jalanan costume, which prompted comments from about two dozen vendors.
For others, the strong demand has meant an opportunity to start a costume rental business.
