Balinese women make a good living from selling hair
Text and photos by PJ Leo
DENPASAR (JP): Going bald can be a serious problem for men and women. It is this issue which inspired Anak Agung Oka Kartini to start a company in Bali which produces wigs.
Kartini, 55, owner of Oka Kartini Art Gallery and Bungalows, Ubud, established PT Rambut Indah with Theo Zantman from Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The company now employs 200 workers, all women. It produces wigs priced up to US$1,000. The company imports materials from the Netherlands, yet it does not sell its finished products in Indonesia.
"This business, which I have run for 17 years, was the result of a simple conversation with one of the tourists who stayed in one of my bungalows during her visit to Bali," she said.
"Apparently, she was suffering from severe balding, so she has to wear a wig to maintain her image as a businesswoman. It was through her that I was introduced to Theo Zantman," she added.
During its initial stages, the company recruited a professional wigmaker from the Netherlands in order to train the staff for one year. The strong natural artistic talents of Balinese women helped them learn wig-making skills quickly and the company to attain distinguished results.
In 1994, PT Rambut Indah moved to a new location, 500 meters from Oka Kartini's bungalows. The wig-making used to be done at the bungalows by 35 employees.
"We must have a place of our own, where the atmosphere is calm, to support the expansion of the company. I also wouldn't want the visitors to my bungalows to be disturbed by the production activities," Kartini explained.
"Actually, I was quite pleased having the staff working near the bungalows, their activities often became an attraction for the tourist," she added.
PT Rambut Indah exports handmade wigs to the Netherlands; as many as 75 to 100 are exported each month. If orders from Theo Zantman increase, the company may receive two or three orders in one month.
"Aside from the regular types of wigs, PT Rambut Indah also produces wigs for those who suffer partial balding," Kartini added.
There is a certain pride felt among the staff who work at PT Rambut Indah because their skill in making wigs is considered to be of first-rate quality compared to the ones produced by others who work with Zantman. This fact was expressed by Theo Zantman himself to Oka kartini.
From the 200 employees, PT Rambut Indah has 20 permanent workers, while the others are considered part-timers.
"All the employees here work from morning until afternoon. They are allowed to make the wigs at their own pace and even at their own homes because the Balinese society still has a strong dedication to their culture. So, often when there are cultural celebrations, we allow the staff to finish their work in their own time," explained Kartini.