Spreading artistic legacy of Indonesia's skilled craftspeople

Made in Indonesia: A Tribute to the Country's Craftspeople Warwick Purser, photography by Rio Helmi Equinox Publishing, September 2005 160 pp (hardcover) Rp 295,000

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Hand-crafted items, no matter their quality, often earn the misnomer "handicrafts", which brings to mind cheap souvenirs peddled to tourists looking for a memento of their trip to take back home, regardless of craftsmanship or sometimes, authenticity.

A new book to be released this coming week, Made in Indonesia, by Equinox Publishing and sponsored by HSBC Indonesia, is set to redefine the artistic standards of hand-crafted products made by Indonesian craftspeople in Indonesia.

Written by Warwick Purser, owner of leading exporter Out of Asia and Warwick Purser Lifestyle, who has been recognized for his decades-long contribution to promoting the country's hand- crafted items to overseas markets, the book is aptly subtitled A Tribute to the Country's Craftspeople.

Accompanied by 180 color images of a broad range of such products captured by renowned photographer Rio Helmi, Made in Indonesia explores the heritage of Indonesia's skilled craftspeople and the international-quality items they create.

"I'm not sure that many people here are aware of the magnificent, world-class items made by Indonesian craftspeople, and that they are exported to leading outlets abroad," said HSBC Indonesia CEO Richard McHowat.

These exclusive stores include Harrods and Marks and Spencer of the United Kingdom, as well as Marshall Field's and Crate & Barrel in the United States.

"I think it's going to be a very exciting book ... that will inspire the minds of people" to feel proud of their country's skills heritage, said McHowat.

Covering products ranging from glass to stone, from woven water hyacinth to pandan leaves, and contemporary designs made from steel and recycled materials, the 160-page book is "not just a pretty book, but also a kind of sales guide", underlined McHowat, who is a personal fan of hand-crafted furniture and accessories.

Each photograph identifies the manufacturer of the product, and the index contains a list of the 23 suppliers featured in the book and their up-to-date contact information. These suppliers were selected in accordance with three criteria: one, the products are made in Indonesia by Indonesians; two, they consistently export overseas; and three, they have the capacity to supply in quantity.

For HSBC Indonesia, which marked its 120th in the country last year, the book project was a rare opportunity in keeping with its roots in financing trade and today, in providing start-up capital and accessibility to international markets to small and medium enterprises. It also fell in line with the tenets of the bank's corporate social responsibility, which focuses specifically on education, environment and community.

"HSBC is a strong believer in that the success and ongoing profitability of the bank is dependent on the success of the community in which we operate," said McHowat.

For Purser, this book is another means by which he can continue to support his adopted community in Tembi village, which he says is like "one big family".

He has not only harnessed the skills of craftspeople in the village and provided employment, but has also established a foundation, a library and other community-oriented facilities to ensure its sustainability.

Meanwhile, the book will be distributed worldwide, and so serve to expose the superior quality and original designs of Indonesian crafts and craftspeople around the globe.

In conjunction with the launch of Made in Indonesia, an exhibition will be held in the lobby of the World Trade Center, where suppliers featured in the book will display a select range of products for two weeks, accompanied by their representatives.

Made in Indonesia product exhibit will be held at the World Trade Center on Jl. Sudirman from Sept. 26 through Oct. 9. The exhibit is open to the public except on Sept. 28, when the book will be unveiled during a private function. Made in Indonesia will be available at most major bookstores on Sept. 29.