REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, DENPASAR -- Trade and Industry Department of Bali recorded 10.8 million USD of foreign exchange (forex) from bamboo commodity during January-May 2014. It earned from export trade of various handicrafts made from bamboo.

"It means the creativity of bamboo artisans in Bali, especially in Blega village loved by consumers abroad, such as United States, Europe and Australia," Made Darma, a bamboo enterpreneur in Gianyar regency said on Wednesday.

Forex earnings indicates that global economic crisis, which is still perceived by global community has no effect on bamboo handicraft's trading in export market. According to Darma, the total forex earnings increase significantly, 365 percent compared to 2.3 million USD in the first five months of 2013.

Foreign importers requested the unique Balinese bamboo handicrafts, such as chair, lazy bed made by teak wood, or coffee table made from bamboo and then combined with rattan. Balinese artisans are highly favored by consumers abroad.

However, Balinese artisans are still difficult to get bamboo as raw materials, so that they brought from Java and Lombok. Bamboo is not only be used as furniture, but also can be made as woven bamboo. Balinese people is considered as creative community in making craft items to attract customers.

Ikuti Whatsapp Channel Republika