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)