W. Java puppetmaker cashes in despite crumbling economy

Text and photos by Suhardiansyah

BOGOR, West Java (JP): Dase busied himself arranging Sundanese traditional wooden puppets (wayang golek) at his home in Lebak Kantin village.

A few other workers sculpted heads and crowns of puppets in the house, which also functions as a workshop and gallery.

Dase, who has pursued his career as a puppetmaker for decades, said not all wood was suitable to make the puppets. Wood locally known as astonia and albasia are considered the best material because they produce smooth and durable puppets.

"Thus, the price of the puppets does not depend solely on their size, but also on the type of wood that it is made of," Dase said as he cleaned a puppet.

Most of his customers are from abroad, tourists from such places as the U.S., Canada, the Netherlands, and Australia.

"That is why we sell our puppets in U.S. dollars. Prices range from US$30 up to $100 apiece. We also cater for bigger puppets."

The conversation was interrupted by a group of Australian tourists, who walked in and enthusiastically examined the puppets on display.

Dase tended to his customers in reasonably proficient English. The tourists' presence enlivened the workshop, formerly dominated by the sound of people sculpting. Some of the visitors began to bargain.

They eventually bought several puppets and left.

Dase employs six people; two workers are in charge of shaping and sculpting, and the rest are assigned to painting details on the figures.

He obtains the clothing and accessories for the puppets from another wayang golek specialist shop.

"Before the economic crisis, we used to earn a few million rupiah a month. But now, due to the high American dollar exchange rate, we can earn up to Rp 15 million rupiah per month."

After 19 years of dedication to his art, Dase has achieved much. While once he sold cheap artworks at the entrance gates to the Bogor Botanical Gardens, today he has earned respect as the well-known owner of a wayang golek Sunda gallery.

From his profits, he is able to support the daily needs of his 11 children. He also never forgets his own hard past and is always willing to help out his needy neighbors.

He recently donated foodstuffs to Lebak Kantin villagers.

Dase highly respects the heritage and traditions of the art. Profits are not a priority; he merely wants to maintain the life he has today.