Always Glorious of My Jepara

Wood carving has become idioms of Raden Ajeng Kartini's birth, and even no other city worth mentioning for the equivalent of Jepara furniture industry dun carving. This commodity is a heritage craft that have a high economic value and has become a superior product, both in Central Java as well as national, At that time, product exclusivity with classic and modern characters with high artistic value is supported by innovation in production techniques and the provision of equipment and raw materials , could be a plus point Jepara furniture carves products.
Not to mention the still limited local players (other areas) in this field increasingly popular cause of Jepara furniture, even in 63 countries across five continents. Backed by the power of about 80,000 craftsmen. furniture industry has become one of the drivers in the real sector of the district known as Kartini this earth.

But, Current conditions have been much different. Furniture industry in Jepara began less sound echo. may even be likened to a dead faint. There are some things that we can examine, if we analyze why this happened, namely:

First, the availability of raw materials. despite having a relatively extensive forest, was the raw material for furniture making are many other imported from Jepara. This of course caused the price of raw materials are relatively expensive. not to mention the time Perhutani raise the offer price auction (HPL) and the basic price (HJD) in the range of wood that does not make sense, like the present. The increase is set in the decree reached 23.2%. There are at least four reasons why an increase in wood prices is perceived as a heavy thing; 1) the increase was made during conditions of market competition is intense and product competitiveness Indonesia decreased; 2) conducted a sudden increase in the number of magnitude increase high enough. 3) increase without Sosialisasi. confirmation and klarifkasi; and (4) increase in the basic price and auction hurga people's purchasing power exceeds furniture industry players. so megakibatkan business behavior that is not healthy.
Second, the limited ability and motivation of the perpetrators of the business (kopetensi employment). There is a tendency for being the business (a hereditary, then the makers less motivated to develop their skills. The ability possessed by the craftsmen are relatively standard, coupled with their ability to learn very, very little. This condition causes one Jepara furniture industry stagnated.
Third. problems in the field of technology. Condition that occurs industrial machinery old old furniture and left with a furniture industry technology developments. As a result, the performance of the furniture industry, particularly small and medium scale is not efficient and effective. This in turn affect the level of industrial competitiveness in the world furniture industry competition. For example, the machine side timber penghalus (planner) and machine timber ptofil (moulder). The machines are still using the old manual technology while new itu.mesin mainly lebh using high technology, including computerized systems.
Fourth, the design problem. Another problem that also makes the furniture industry does not have high competitiveness is the furniture business, especially at the level of craftsmen, not knowing perkermbangam product design and furniture trends developing in the world market. In fact, the future of the furniture industry also ditentukankan by the extent to which the design can be developed. During this. product produced from time to time only that-that's all. The craftsman brackets dare to innovate, especially in these times of folklore issues affecting Jepara furniture industry while others, has led to the craftsmen phobia, so mcreka tend to make the same design from time to time.
Fifth, related to product quality. Limited capacity rnanusia resources. technology and design eventually led to the quality of Jepara furniture down. In fact, if these limitations can be managed well, indusiri furniture abroad. such as China. will be very confused. Given the generally high real in terms of precision, wood coating kekutan connection, and carvings, the famous furniture Indonesia has the advantage if dibandingakn with Chinese furniture. the mcngandalkan indusiri
mass.
Related to the above problems, real opportunities in the Jepara furniture industry to come back "flying" is still open. In this year, the government is targeting exports of furniture and handicraft products nationally by 15%. Jepara regency as one of the old players in the arena permebelan expected to capture this opportunity. One effort that can be done is to increase the campaign to expand market share. Unluk that as many as 35 companies in the field of furniture manufacturing and handicrafts (craft) from Jepara, in this month following the International funiture and Craft Fair Indonesia (IFFINA (7-11 dated March)) in Jakarta and Asian Furniture Show (AFS) and the International Furniture Fair Singapore (IFFS) in Singapore, on 9-12 March. In IFFINA, this is a pertma participation, while the AFS / IFFS is the fifth keikutsrtaan.
Other opportunities that could have been used is the establishment of Jepara Trade and Tourism Center. The hope, in this place buyers can get information about various things about Jepara, including inforrmasi about indusirinya. This is of course in accordance with the functions performed by JTTC. namely as promotion centers, design centers, clinics Intellectual Property and tourism information center.
Finally, in the midst of the emergence challenges players - new players, both at the local level. Blora and Wonogiri as well as international such as China, Vietnam, and Malaysia, cooperation and hard work from all parties for the Jepara furniture mcngembalikan position in national and international arena is very, very necessary. Hopefully this year is in the hands siding craftsman / entrepreneur Jepara furniture

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Being Heritage and Buffer Economy

Formerly when Jepara furniture was crowded up the term "New Plutocrat", those who previously could only be a carpenter, a successful businessman even become exporters

many people then trooped to his move furniture from farmers, motorcycle taxi drivers, sales of rice up to traders in the market clothes that previously did not understand the furniture to try his luck in the world of furniture. Even her mother was a housewife does not want to miss a furniture broker.


Potential Jepara carving furniture was very large. no wonder if the furniture industry was mentioned as a regional economic buffer. If proof furniture other sectors too crowded crowded part. Furniture is also known as ancestral heritage that brings blessing. Although carving furniture in Jepara, has existed since the queen was Kalinyamat but furniture can be enjoyed only by certain circles. of the nobility and the family court.
When the RA Kartini, the emancipation of women is trying to introduce Jepara furniture to the outside world. In the minds of Jepara Kartini if furniture must be developed to raise the welfare of their citizens. Tenyata what is thought Kartini was really come, but unfortunately Kartini is known visionary could not see the fruits of that thinking.
Based on current data the development of Jepara carving furniture industry tends to fluctuate. Greatest growth occurred in 1999 and then, when it was booming furniture even when other areas reeling from financial crisis whack, the opposite Jepara skyrocketed, Jepara community menigkat Economic impact of the sharp economic investment, but when entering the beginning of 2000 the situation reverses direction and continues decreased contrast compared to previous years.
Data from the Office of JESNA Indagkop said in 2003 the total investment reaching Rp Jepara furniture 151 AD by the amount of labor around 50,063 people with the export volume reached USD 749 M. The number is kept creeping up until 2005 but declined in subsequent years. In 2005 investments still tend to be high ie USD 162 M. step in 2006
Instead, according to USD 155.8 M until the year 2007. The number of workers also decreased from 50,063 people to 49,192 people. production volume also declined. if the year 2004 reached 3.6 million units in 2007 stepped on it decreased to 2.5 million units. This situation is certainly very influential on the regional economy. Many people have experienced furniture assess blood drawn.
Supply Material
To support the furniture indsutri fore. by Fauzi so desperately needed supply of adequate raw materials. According to a solution that can be done is to accelerate the development of timber terminals (wood center). This timber needs to mencucukupi the ever-increasing
The need for furniture Jepara wood average - average about 600,000 cubic meters per year is perhutani only able to meet about 40% only. Lack of wood for timber is full of people who were brought from outside jepara,
The same thing also revealed Kerry Head Purwanto Indagkop MM Ir. a lot of problems that blanketed Jepara furniture industry. Such as lack of raw materials, production quality. labor, as well as access to banking.
But to find a solution he endeavored to help the furniture industry is waking continuance as the fulfillment of raw materials. To meet these raw materials according to the government had sought to deposit wood Sulawesi and Maluku. Includes wooden kiosks "he said.
But until now very difficult tersebui policies implemented. "A lot of obstacles that we had to face in addition to the rules of the Perhutani also sales and distribution mechanisms to the crafters do not receive a clear mechanism" he explained.
Development of timber terminals, according to Fauzi, make ends meet in Jcpara timber. If true, there correctly furniture stock of actors will hesitate tiduk longer accept orders.
In addition to meet the needs of producers of wood can do because the cut line efficiency levy, terminal material can act as price control and quality assurance bahun and wood raw resma. Perpetrators of furniture will not be confused with the demand for certified timber resma, because in addition to timber terminals to accommodate for junior fashion wood also contribute to completing the administration and distribution of documents''.
For that he hoped the government's commitment as a regulator and facilitator to realize that desire without the full support of the government's desire will only be a dream only, "but we remain confident that recently the center has been set pemcrintah Central Java as the development of furniture industry and the terminal plans This timber to be realized''he said.
comparative advantage
When compared with similar competitors, including China and Vietnam, according to Fauzi Jepara furniture is far superior. The material used Jepara furniture much better quality dlbandingkan with furniture made overseas, China and Vietnam itself is touted as a new competitor in the world of furniture.
identity materials used in the Jepara furniture industry has an unparalleled characteristics. In addition to texture. teak strong more resilient to pests. But in cold weather teak cracked ambition for oil content contained in it out
"Countries China actually does not have a sufficient supply even in terms of quality wood furniture that is used far more good Chinese furniture, Jepara" he explained,
To meet the needs of China memasoknya raw materials from neighboring countries, namely the famous Russian Red wood. Besides using red wood furniture
China also uses wood as a material particle. "If we can manage well teak furniture, Jepara has the advantage that there is no match for the world''. Most of the furniture industry of Jepara carving merupakanindustri home or home industry." That's the advantage of Jepara furniture furniture compared to other competitors. If properly dilelola can be potentially very large economies "said Achmad H
Fauzi SE, Chairman Asmindo Jepara.
To see the Jepara furniture there are several things that must be considered. As according fauzi least seven aspects that must be considered. Jeparua has become the first brand image of quality furniture, no city or region as jepara. where the furniture has become hereditary heritage. Second, the characteristics of home furniture, Jepara is not a manufacturing industry. In European countries it results or home handicraft industry valued expensive than manufacturing. Third, the global market demands that wants kualilas - and design quality. Fourth, Jepara is the largest. By Fauzi city with the largest furniture industry in Italy as Udinesse still inferior to Jepara. Fifth, while the production demanded more precise Jepara furniture entrepreneurs are still difficulties because of technology, design, and equipment is still manual. Pemodalan access and sixth, and last issue intenasional green product. "Competition and issues - issues at the global level such as illegal logging, environmental product certification to new issues of Jepara industry" he explained

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A Little Story About a Local Furniture in Jepara

Furniture industry in jepara seems to be falling down again. After facing some problems, such as lack of order, lack of wood, fuel rising, supported material rising and new competitors, now, a new problem comes. Wood as the nerve of furniture industry is now rising in price, more than 23%. Could craftsmen stand on such situation? A reporter of Gelora Bumi Kartini magazine, Sayfrudin S Sos, writes his report. (Ed)

One day, Gelora meets a craftsman of betawi lenong chair, just call him as Sholeh (50). He says that he cannot afford to make a high-class chair again. He, now, makes a putihan chair, instead of high-class one, because of wood price is rising and he cannot afford it any longer.

Wood price rising brings bad impact on small craftsman like him. Besides he cannot buy the material, he also has some problem in selling the chair if its price is always rising. “Because of its high price, the chair will not be sold well”, he explains



“Customer wants to buy furniture that is low in price but high in quality. That is very hard for us because of wood price, as a parameter, is always rising. And even now, wood price is more expensive than chair itself.”

Nowadays, to find a high-class chair is very hard. Most craftsmen prefer to make putihan chair. Only a few craftsmen who make high-class one, based on customer’s order of course. They do not want to speculate for its indefinite profit.

According to Sholeh, beside of its affordable price material, to sell putihan chair is not very difficult. “Many orders come for its low-price, only certain customer who is able to buy high-class chair”, he confirms.

To make furniture needs much calculation. Before making a kind of furniture, we should define customer segment first. If betawi lenong chair is high in price, no one will buy it for its segment is middle-low customer. It is not surprising that there are more putihan than high-class. “To use expensive material for sofa chair gives more profit than lenong since its price is higher”, he says.


From aspect of quality, high-class chair is much differs than putihan. However, they are seemed indifferent in shape. To deceit customer, craftsman adds color in putihan and makes it seems dark. “So, do not be surprised that wood paint is sold out since many people use it”, he says.

According to Sholeh, putihan chair cost is Rp. 90.000 per unit. It is much cheaper than high-class one that costs Rp. 260.000 per unit. We can find those chairs in Kedungcino, Dongos and Sukosono.

Influenced

According to Suyitno, one of craftsmen, it has been a long time since furniture industry in Jepara is falling down. Nowadays, it is hard for craftsmen to have much profit than they used to. Wood and another material price are rising so that they cannot afford it. “Besides of those problems, we are also lack of order. We used to accept much order and even refuse it, but now it is contrary. We only accept a few orders and its price is very cheap”, he says.

Suko, who works in sawmill, also says that furniture industry is falling down. He used to transport wood 4 – 5 times a day. But now, it is only once a day and even none. “Sometime we transport nothing in a day. Nowadays, only a few craftsmen who come to sawmill”, he confirms.

Falling down in furniture industry is not only influence the craftsmen but also workers in the manufacture industry; such as porters and sawmill operators, carpenters and sandpaper workers. “Our income is also getting lower because only few craftsmen come to cut their wood in sawmill. We are a daily worker. We get money for our job. If there is no job, we get no money”, warsani says (55).

Even Gimin, a carver, says that his income is getting lower. “Our boss prefers using his money to buy woods to give it to us. We can only do nothing and must accept it”.

M Anas Arbaani, the chief of HKPJ (Himpunan Pedagang Kayu Jepara/ Jepara Wood Trader Association), says that the problems are merely same. Craftsmen feel so hard because of price rising, in another side their product price is constant. “Most of them are small craftsmen with limited money and technology. For manufacture or big company, price rising has no much effect for their product cost is high”, he states.

As the consequence of wood price rising, most craftsmen fired half of their workers. Indeed, some craftsmen only have 2 workers. “They use more money to buy raw material. To make it more efficient, they use only few workers and also use local wood, not from forestry department, for its affordable price”, (SaO)

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Promote Fair Trade in Jepara

In this article at will submit several
solicitude about the shaky economics stanchion jepara. at the time of
happen booming furniture jepara pasca pillage, exactly inscribe solicitude
that in a moment many warehouses enclosing and sold, because, there is no again
done. there also exporter that return to be broker, entrepreneur that return to be
worker and worker not again has livelihood. Also, dealer car
met with the towing vehicle to bad debts.

that solicitude is at least is provided 3 factors whom i look at of vital importance.

1. Rivalry inclination existence indisposed between entrepreneurs jepara so that theymutual slash prices.
2. Trade link very long from producers to consumer so that value the competitive be low
3. And does not awake to its quality of the product so that damage to the image of Jepara Jepara in the International market.

Quit of true not it this article analysis now jepara face problem very serious. although data
trade at resort a kind of industrial official, trade and cooperation not show that problem but condition rill economy clear society shows that thing. whoever will feel
beat economics jepara more weaker, especially sector .

In this time worker jepara really difficulty to sell the product, because rivalry is increased local also temporary excelsior demand usually low after jepara not again is soloist at this country. also market access inexistence to all little producers and the weak position bargains producers to consumer in 'international trade transaction. Condition worsened with the problem of raw materials Indutri Jepara, teak wood which is more slender and the trends in consumer attitudes in the global market. Now people in developed countries tend to buy only products that are friends with the environment. While the issue of forest pillage so great. All forests in Jepara be exhausted. this is very oppose against environment - friendly product, therefore reforestation and critical tune that and be done to be strategic step that has dimension very vast. not just for basic commodity supplying, but also to restore image of jepara.
Product Quality also be one of the important problem for jepara. because for product same china and thailand use engine, predominantly for product garden furniture. This choice menbuat their product has power bargain higher because price can lower because be done efficiency towards production cost.

Fair Trade

As a trade concept, fair trade aim to increase position bargains producers to consumer. therefore principle. principal fair trade how near producers to consumer. to; brace position bargains little producers, they are at organize in business activity with. they are then pushed to do to export self, to avoid comission agent unnecessary and make more trade link length.
with this principle is producers supposed will get. price tender better and price fairer belongs. payment in advance gift as wanted to build long-range work connection. this manner efficientest to mem bypass speculator and mediator unnecessary.

Principle other fair trade this proper wage. condition. environment that well and basic commodity guarantee existence doesn't botch environment. beside that credible colleague institution existence at consumer eye. one of [the] important indicator that must be held by executants fair trade transparent attitude that concerns price and mark up that worn for every product by colleague organization because that must be understood by organization the involvement colleague in fair trade not as tool to look for profit. because profit clean be got must be returned to producers in the form of deviden and gift by producers and colleague is used for effort development.

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Furniture Still Being Economic Backbone

Although furniture carves more tireder, but until year 2007 then the position stills dominant permanent towards product regional domestic brutto (PDRB) that is one of the important indicator to detects economy condition a area/regency in specified period. good on the basis of operative price also on the basis of constant price. PDRB self at identification as added value total that evoked by various effort sector/field, do the effort at a region regardless of
ownership on factors of production. or can also be said as total entire goods values and service ends that produced by entire economy units at a area.
PDRB on the basis of operative price describes goods added value and service counted use price in every year, but PDRB on the basis of constant price show goods added value and service that counted to use price in the year certain as base, where in this counting used year 2000. PDRB on the basis of operative price is used to see reshuffle and economy structure, while constant price is used to detect economy growth from year to year.

Regency economics trip jepara after economy crisis belongs to unique. when economy crisis go on (1997-1998), where in moment that economics national experience stroke great, economics jepara exactly can to survive even experience booming furniture industrial. At the moment, furniture many exported to foreign countries are able to get a big hit because rupiah rate jumps up drastic become Rp 15.000 per dollar AS. Conditon see off jepara from agrarian economics has aimed where does economics sector domination begun to shifted by industrial sector.
latest data from BPS (statistics centre office ) jepara during 5 the last year, processing industrial belongs in it wood goods and another forest result, include furniture still to give big contribution (above 20%) towards PDRB Jepara, as usual we see in table under this:

Tabel 1
Processing industrial contribution towards PDRB Jepara
Period 2002-2006 (based on price konstan*)

source: Regional Domestic Product Bruto regency of Jepara Year 2006
note: (*) in percent

from table above seen although trend decreased
industrial contribution depreciation processing
towards PDRB. Regency of jepara still enough significant. Even can, said that processing industrial predominantly wood processing of goods and another forest result stills to be back bone

processing industrial stills proper made as excellent sector at regency of jepara, of course effort to" 'position" return processing industrial as regency economics back bone jepara not easy. necessary commitment from all the interested parties worker/entrepreneur, buyer, government, society. the troubleshoot, commitment not enough without followed by real action. one matter sure society jepara doesn't want characteristic or predikat that so long cling with jepara as city has carved to lost off hand.

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