Bali: One-stop shopping center for handicrafts<\/p>\n
Rita A. Widiadana
\nThe Jakarta Post,
\nDenpasar, Bali<\/p>\n
Like all aspects of Balinese life, the intricately carved
\nwooden sculptures, bamboo basketwork, silver and gold jewelry,
\nand textiles are linked to religious and traditional beliefs on
\nthe island.<\/p>\n
The Balinese use basketwork, finely crafted from bamboo,
\nrattan or pandanus leaves, for every occasion. Silver and gold
\nitems are made especially for cultural ceremonies.<\/p>\n
Inspiration for Balinese sculptures in the form of human and
\nanimal is mostly drawn from the Megalithic period and post-Hindu-
\nBuddhist eras. They also have Indian and Chinese influences.
\nWoodcarving was traditionally the exclusive domain of the
\npowerful clan of Brahmana, the high priest caste.<\/p>\n
But as the island became flooded with millions of domestic and
\nforeign visitors, new and bigger market opportunities opened up
\nfor the once sacred items to be developed with nonreligious
\nthemes.<\/p>\n
Since the early l970s, handicrafts have become a multimillion
\ndollar enterprise for artisans and businesspeople on Bali. Export
\nearnings from handicraft exports continue to increase. In the
\nfirst semester of this year alone, Bali earned US$84.49 million
\nfrom handicraft exports, an approximate 25 percent increase from
\nthe same period last year.<\/p>\n
Hormidas Lomi, an executive of Plaza Bali duty free shop and
\nlarge-scale handicrafts seller, said the handicraft business in
\nBali remained lucrative.<\/p>\n
Hundreds of art shops offer a vast array of handicrafts along
\nthe narrow streets of Sanur, Kuta, Legian and Nusa Dua.<\/p>\n
In the past, handicrafts were regarded as cheap souvenirs made
\nby local artisans. Now, they are attractively displayed in
\naffluent galleries, department stores, supermarkets and duty free
\nshops. Most of the displayed items are fresh and innovative art
\ncreations made of natural materials such as wood, bamboo, rattan,
\ndried leaves, banana tree bark, spices, water hyacinth and
\nrecycled paper. Also available are candles, incense products and
\ngiftware.<\/p>\n
"I am optimistic that the handicraft sector will flourish
\nprovided that we keep monitoring the trend and demands and
\npenetrate new markets," he said.<\/p>\n
For Bali, handicrafts remain the island's export prima donna.
\nAll materials can be sourced locally, and handicrafts are made by
\ncompetent artisans who are supported by large-scale companies
\nacting as marketing and design development agencies.<\/p>\n
"Because of high demand from domestic and overseas markets,
\nhandicrafts sell extremely well," Hormidas said.<\/p>\n
He said the deluge of handicrafts from across Indonesia would
\nnot affect Balinese products. "Each handicraft has its own
\ncharacteristics and designs specific to the arts and culture of
\nits producing area."<\/p>\n
A number of companies act as "foster parent" to artisans from
\nBali, Yogyakarta, Lombok, Surabaya and other provinces.<\/p>\n
Handicraft producers outside Bali find the island an excellent
\nmarketing center for their products.<\/p>\n
Niniek Soemaryati, a marketing staff member from Bali Celadon,
\nsaid her company, based in Mojokerto, East Java, opened an outlet
\nin Bali in January 2001. The company produces handmade ceramic
\nproducts for household use and souvenirs.<\/p>\n
Bali Celadon, a supplier of Hallmarks cards and gifts, sells
\nretail items in its Bali showroom. "We now have a number of
\nregular buyers and foreign guests coming to our showroom.
\nBusiness seems to be growing steadily," she said optimistically.<\/p>\n
Pottery from neighboring Lombok, primitive art producing
\ncompanies from East Nusa Tenggara province, Kalimantan and Papua
\nhave also opened showrooms along Jl. I Gusti Ngurah Rai (the
\nSanur-Nusa Dua bypass), and along streets in Kuta and Legian as
\nwell as in Nusa Dua.<\/p>\n
People from around the world come to Bali to see its beauty
\nand experience its culture. "The market is here and we have to
\nimmediately capture it, otherwise we would miss the opportunity,"
\nadded Niniek.<\/p>\n
Although all kinds of handicrafts can easily be found in
\nBali's major tourist centers, visitors like visiting handicraft-
\nproducing villages around Bali. In these villages, visitors watch
\nartisans at work on their creations and, more importantly, they
\ncan buy handicrafts at lower prices.<\/p>\n
Celuk in Batubulan, Gianyar, 26 kilometers northwest of
\nDenpasar, is a major gold and silver jewelry center. Previously,
\nonly artisans from the Pande Caste (Blacksmith) were allowed to
\nproduce metalwork.<\/p>\n
This centuries-old silver and gold craftsmanship is reflected
\nin the array of jewelry and other items found in Celuk today. The
\ndesigns vary from the traditional to more classy and contemporary
\ndesigns intended for overseas markets. Among the best producers
\nare Suarti Collection and Runa Jewelry.<\/p>\n
Heading north to Gianyar, visitors may pass the famous
\ntraditional art market on both sides of the road in Sukawati.<\/p>\n
The market sells a vast array of goods, such as Balinese
\nsongket cloth, woven textiles, handicrafts, woodcarvings,
\nbasketwork, dance costumes and ceremonial items at bargain
\nprices. If time is not a problem, visitors can look for favorite
\nitems at the half price of those sold in Kuta or Sanur.<\/p>\n
Next to Sukawati, a stop in Ubud and Batuan villages is
\nworthwhile. The villages became renowned in the 1930s as centers
\nfor paintings and woodcarvings. Local art shops sell a range of
\nitems, from mass-produced woodcarvings to high-quality, handmade
\nitems made by recognized masters in fine-grained ebony, jackfruit
\nor sandalwood.<\/p>\n
Batuan and Ubud have developed into upscale art markets for
\ndeep-pocketed visitors with high appreciation for art.<\/p>\n
Bali is transforming into a shopper's paradise where high-
\nquality handicrafts are available from all over the country.<\/p>",
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