Barren region has white stone potential<\/p>\n
By R. Agus Bakti<\/p>\n
GUNUNG KIDUL, Yogyakarta (JP): People refer to the Gunung
\nKidul regency in Yogyakarta as a barren region. In the dry season
\nit is hard to find water in the area.<\/p>\n
On the other hand the region has a potential rarely found in
\nother regions: the mining of white stone. The products are even
\nexported, especially material from the Semin and Semanu areas.<\/p>\n
When asked about white stone, craftsman Sugeng, who lives in
\nSemanu, said: \"In our region there are a lot of potentials that
\ncan be exploited.\"<\/p>\n
White stone is exploited to raise the living standards of the
\nlocal population.<\/p>\n
According to Sugeng, white stone is a typical product of
\nmining in Gunung Kidul. What is the stone used for?<\/p>\n
Many products can be made from white stone. In the beginning
\nits use was limited to floor tile production.<\/p>\n
However, thanks to their dedication and determination, locals
\nhave continued to create new products out of the material. The
\nstone is made into art handicrafts by carving and chiseling.<\/p>\n
The carving of white stone reminds us of the stone craftsmen
\nin Prumpung, Muntilan, Central Java. The difference is in the
\nmaterial used by the workers. They use andesite from Mount
\nMerapi.<\/p>\n
Sugeng, who did not finish high school, explained that before
\nthe stone is transported to Semanu, it is quarried in the Semin
\narea. At Semin, the stones are still found in their chunk-sized
\npieces. The stones are carried by truck to his house on Jl.
\nWonosari, Semanu.<\/p>\n
In his house the white stone is transformed into various
\nproducts. The tools and instruments range from the simple to the
\nmodern machines which are used to create tiles.<\/p>\n
Sugeng does not carry all the work out by himself. His
\nbusiness, which is called Alam Sejahtera (prosperous nature), is
\nmanaged together with relatives Heri Dwi Wahyudi and Agus Wibowo.<\/p>\n
The activity provides work for other people. \"The important
\nthing for me is that it does not provide an income for myself
\nalone,\" said Sugeng, adding that he employed 10 workers. Some of
\nthem cut stones, while others chisel out the form.<\/p>\n
Gamelan<\/p>\n
An observer of these craftsmen cannot but be touched by the
\nfervent spirit of creativity. The workers make gamelan
\ninstruments like the saron (metallophone instrument) and the
\nkendhang (small drum) from white stone. A gamelan set made from
\nwhite stone is popular with Dutch people.<\/p>\n
Although the gamelan instruments are not for playing music,
\nthey serve as beautiful decorative items in the house. They can
\nalso become a decorative part of a garden.<\/p>\n
Ten days are needed to produce a statue. Although, depending
\non the size of the work, it can take longer. Floor tiles need
\nless time because a machine is used. More time is spent making a
\ngamelan instrument or a statue because carving by hand is
\ninvolved. In addition, an element of feeling is also important to
\nobtain better results.<\/p>\n
The white stone can also serve to decorate a garden. It can be
\nmade into pots. These pots look natural. Some of them are shaped
\nlike mushrooms and flowers. Others are hung with wire. Garden
\nlamps are also often made of white stone.<\/p>\n
The potential of white stone has attracted the attention of
\nthe regional government, especially the Trade and Industry
\nagency. This agency has introduced activities and courses for
\nyoung people. It has provided aid in the form of stone chisels
\nand machine saws to split stones.<\/p>\n
Gari village, also in the Gunung Kidul region, has white stone
\ncraftspeople working at Gondang and Gatak.<\/p>\n
As for mining, apart from Semin, the area around the Oya river
\nhas also the potential for building materials like sand and black
\ncoral stones.<\/p>\n
White stone is also popular because it makes a room cool. If
\nan air-conditioner is switched off after use, a wall in a room
\ninlaid with white stone absorbs the cool air for a longer time
\nthan walls made of other material.<\/p>\n
Sugeng said that in his white stone business he has
\nexperienced ups and downs, mainly in marketing.<\/p>\n
\"I have often received orders from Jakarta for floor tiles. I
\nonce worked on a project in Bintaro Jaya (South Jakarta),\" he
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
The price depends on the type and size of the product. Floor
\ntiles measuring 30 cms by 30 cms with a thickness of 3 cms cost
\nRp 1,000 each. A gamelan instrument made of white stone fetches a
\nprice of about Rp 100,000.<\/p>\n
All the white stone products cannot be separated from the
\ndesign factor. The design precedes the shaping of the products.<\/p>\n
Sugeng and his friends do not always create their own designs.
\nDesigns are sometimes ordered by the buyer. \"Making products from
\nwhite stone is a creative process. That is the requirement for
\nprogress in the business,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Although there were difficult marketing times during the
\nmonetary crisis, Sugeng continued to produce work and is
\noptimistic about the future of his business.<\/p>\n
He said, \"Where there is enough effort, there will be a way.
\nReliance on diplomas only will not lead to success.\" Sugeng has
\nshown this by his achievements in white stone production.<\/p>\n
Sugeng responds favorably to working with other people in
\nother regions, especially in marketing. He is also willing to
\ncooperate with exporters to develop the potential of white stone.
\nSome people may feel attracted by Sugeng's offer!<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/barren-region-has-white-stone-potential-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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