Temples real boost to the sale of handicrafts

Temples real boost to the sale of handicrafts

By Singgir Kartana

YOGYAKARTA (JP): The popularity of the Borobudur and Prambanan
Temples as tourist resorts have given a real boost to the sale of
handicrafts in Yogyakarta and its neighboring areas.

For Anjarini, 47, the immense and ornate structures of the
Borobudur Buddhist temple and Prambanan have become her primary
sources of inspiration for her art.

Since l985, she has created various forms of miniatures of
Borobudur and Prambanan temples as souvenirs for both local and
foreign visitors. She has also produced statues and stone reliefs
adopting the stone carvings of the two temples.

Anjarini started her venture with only Rp 5 million.

Her business went quite well and soon she began receiving
orders from customers in Yogyakarta and other areas as well.

Among her favorite products are the miniatures of the
Borobudur temples and stone carvings portraying fragment from the
temple's relief.

"I use stone as raw materials for most souvenir products,"
explained the mother of three.

She buys the materials from Wonosari, 40 kilometers east of
Yogyakarta, and Tulung Agung in East Java.

The prices of the souvenirs range from Rp 60,000 to Rp 5
million a piece depending on the size and quality of each
product.

Anjarini felt the prospects for her business were very good.
In order to expand her business, she hired several artists to
improve the quality and design of her art works. Anjarini is now
producing more than 50 kinds of art products including stone
carvings, statues and other items.

Anjarini claims that her works have distinguished designs and
exquisite finishing touches.

Currently, around 19 artists and craftsmen are now working at
Anjarini's workshop on Jl. Kyai Mojo 31. With a monthly
production of 12,000 units per month, Anjarini can earn around Rp
10 million per month.

Her souvenirs are now available at local markets in Bali,
Surabaya, Jakarta and Bandung. She also ships her products to
Australia, the United States, the Netherlands, Germany, France,
Brunei Darussalam, Belgium, Singapore, Malaysia, and the
Philippines.

"I also try to promote my products on the Internet. This is a
new media promotion and I hope I can get new customers," she
said. (singgir Kartana)