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“Surgical Mask” Tote Bag Shows Indonesians’ Humorous Yet Practical Side During The COVID-19 Pandemic

“Surgical mask” tote bag shows Indonesians’ creativity


The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged us in many ways. But despite the difficulties that this unprecedented global crisis has caused, it’s a relief to know that there are people who can still stay creative and keep their sense of humor alive.

One of them is textile printmaker Arlie Percetakan Kain, or @percetakankain on Instagram, who made a “surgical mask” tote bag that has since gone viral on social media.


The “surgical mask” tote bag that went viral


@kerumunan's tweet
Image credit:
@kerumunan

On 13th May 2020, Twitter user @kerumunan posted two screencaps of a woman carrying a tote bag that looks like a huge surgical face mask along with the caption “gimana dan kenapa” (translated as, “How and why?”)

Woman wearing a surgical face mask tote bagImage credit: @percetakankain

The post immediately got a lot of retweets and likes, with netizens applauding the hilarious and creative idea. 

In reference to mask hoarders, Twitter user @angginur99 jokingly tweeted, “Tas ini banyak yang nimbun juga gak ya”, wondering if people were hoarding these tote bags, too.

Tweet 1
Image credit:
@angginur99

Another Twitter user @avakuning tweeted, “Corona bingung”, saying that the oversized mask will confuse the coronavirus.

Tweet 2
Image credit: @avakuning


The tote bag is not for sale, but the patterned fabric is


Woman showing off a surgical face mask tote bagImage credit: @percetakankain

Fans of unique items will definitely want to get their hands on one of these surgical mask tote bags. Unfortunately, the bag itself is not for sale. 

The good news is, however, that the fabric can be purchased through the textile printmaker @percetakankain

Prices start from Rp. 90,000 (~USD6.12) per meter. See the full price list here.


Staying creative despite the difficult circumstances


We’re glad to see that some people can still muster the energy to stay creative despite the challenging COVID-19 situation. Just like the maker of this surgical mask tote bag, people who share their fun and unique ideas can boost the spirits of those around them, or even strangers on the internet. 

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Cover image adapted from: @percetakankain

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