Burning faith
The making of joss sticks is a process that takes time, much like the way they burn during ceremonial events and rituals.
For example, making thin, 40 centimeter-long joss sticks -- which burn for about 30 minutes to an hour -- takes about three to four days. At least, that's what we discovered at a cottage industry in Jedong village, in East Java's Malang regency.
Measuring from 40 cm to 50 cm, the basic sticks are taken from the ribs of coconut leaves and are dipped in red paint.
Workers then apply a substance made from a starch powder and fine sawdust. Afterward, the coated sticks are dipped into caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) so they will burn properly.
The sticks are then laid out to dry for a day, and a powder made from ground coconut shells is applied. This process is then repeated four or five times.
Finally, the sticks are dipped in coloring agents -- usually black, red, green or yellow -- to provide a colorful finish.
Demand for joss sticks increases during the annual Lunar New Year and Waisak celebrations.
Text and photos by Indra Harsaputra, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya.
Photo A: Faith
A worker applies a mix of starch powder and fine sawdust on prepared sticks. Although she has covered her face with a piece of cloth, the sawdust can still sting her eyes.
Photo B: Faith
The sticks are dipped into oil to make them burn longer. Most cottage industries produce joss sticks for local markets, although potential export opportunities to Vietnam and China are wide open.
Photo C: Faith
The sticks are arranged on wooden tables and dried in direct sunlight to make them more resistant.
Photo D: Faith
The joss sticks are arranged neatly and packed. Most of the workers are women who need money to support their families, although they work for minimal wages.
Photo E: Faith
A customer looks over joss sticks on display at a shop specializing in ceremonial goods. Since the Abdurrahman Wahid government revoked a ban on public Chinese celebrations in 2000, the demand for joss sticks has reportedly been increasing in recent years.
Photo F: Faith
Worshipers burn joss sticks in a temple. Activities at temples and other Chinese houses of worship has risen since five years ago, when Confucianism was included among the country's official religions and Lunar New Year became a national holiday.