Silver industry in Bali facing trying period<\/p>\n
DENPASAR, Bali (Antara): In addition to its elaborate gold
\njewelry, gold-thread textiles, garments, wooden and bamboo
\nhandicrafts, Bali is also well-known for its silver products.<\/p>\n
Silver items are usually produced by both professional
\nsilversmiths as well as amateur craftsmen in Celuk village in
\nGianyar.<\/p>\n
Before the crisis, silver handicrafts were one of the major
\nexports of the island.<\/p>\n
According to Ketut Gde Mendra, head of the Trade and Industry
\nMinistry's office in Bali, between January and November 2000,
\nBali earned US$22.6 million, or an increase of 4.78 percent from
\nthe same period in the previous year, from the export of silver
\njewelry and household items to Japan, Taiwan, the United States
\nand Europe.<\/p>\n
However, the silver industry today faces a number of
\nobstacles, including a shortage of capital, insufficient
\nmarketing and the burden of paying commissions to travel agencies
\nand tourist guides.<\/p>\n
The decrease in the number of visitors due to the uncertain
\nsocial and political condition here has badly affected the
\nindustry, said I Nyoman Mundita, the vice chairman of the silver
\nproducers' association.<\/p>\n
The traditional trade system of silver products is usually a
\ncollaboration between producers and travel agencies or tour
\nguides.<\/p>\n
Mundita explained that for the past few weeks, his gallery,
\nMundita Gallery, only received a small number of visitors.<\/p>\n
This current situation is very discouraging. The problem
\nworsens when the value of rupiah plunges against US dollar.<\/p>\n
Nyoman Mundita admitted that the quality of Bali's silver
\nproducts are still far behind those produced in Thailand and
\nIndia.<\/p>\n
Traditional methods of manufacturing has only enabled Balinese
\nsilversmiths to produce between five and nine pieces a day.<\/p>\n
\"Silversmiths in Thailand and India have long used hi-tech
\nequipment to produce silver products,\" he said.<\/p>\n
They are able to produce around 1000 pieces of jewelry and
\nother items a day, Nyoman said.<\/p>\n
But, he urged other fellow silver producers to remain
\noptimistic. Nyoman said Bali's silver still attracts
\ninternational buyers because of its exquisite designs.
\nHe said the majority of silver producers have to deduct about 45
\npercent to 60 percent of their revenue as commission for travel
\nguides and travel agencies.<\/p>\n
\"We should find a solution to this problem, otherwise small
\nand medium-sized silver producers will have to halt their
\nbusinesses,\" commented I Nyoman Patra, chairman of the
\nassociation.<\/p>\n
He said all parties in the silver industry as well as in the
\ntourist industry must work hand in hand to help the silver
\nindustry grow.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/silver-industry-in-bali-facing-trying-period-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}