JEPARA IS THE BEST FURNITURE CITY IN THE WORLD

Jepara is a small town on the north coast of Central Java, one and half hours by car from the provincial capital Semarang.
Jepara was an important port kingdom in the mid-sixteenth century, once ruled by Queen Kalinyamat. The colonial Dutch burned it to the ground twice in one year for breaking their trade monopoly. It was also the home of Kartini the Javanese aristocrat whose life and letters advanced educational opportunities for Indonesian women in the early twentieth century.
Jepara also well-known as producer of the best handcrafted wooden carving furniture in Indonesia and became a cluster industry in any wooden carving products for decades, its the one and only place in Indonesia you can find any kind of wooden carving products from furniture to statues and any other wooden handicraft all around Jepara. The carving itself well-known over Indonesia and the world that has smooth and best craftsmanship skill compare to any others in the industry. It's home for live carver legend so far.

But not only wooden furniture products you can find here in Jepara, another industry supports to local business are handicraft products such as; rattan and bamboo, monel or white iron accessories, handcrafted fabric, and wooden statue and accessories. For details on these industry please see Biz Highlight or see Jepara Furniture Directory for your guide to find furniture supplier in Jepara.

Also if you would like to enjoy Jepara heritage and tourism, there are many places to visit such as; Kartini Museum, Jepara Regency Hall, Mantingan Royal Cemetery and Mosque, Kartini Beach, Panjang Island, Bandengan Beach, Fort of Portuguese, Mondoliko Island, Fort of de Bosch, Waterfalls of Songgo Langit and Jurang Nganten, Tempur Hill, Bate Setro and Serni Pine Woods Hills, and some caves. Or even visit famous national ocean park 'Karimun Jawa' which you can do any activities such as snorkeling, diving, etc. For details on tourism, please see Jepara Tourism Highlight
So when you in Jepara you can do working holiday, do the two things in one place. So, welcome to Jepara and hopefully you will enjoy the hospitality and beyond.

The Journey Of Jepara Wood Carving Products

The activity of Jepara Carving was started since the 7th century when Queen Shima Rule the Kalingga Kingdom in Jepara. Their main subject is making the Traditional Ship and Traditonal House. And then on the 16th century, when Jepara is lead by Queen Kalinyamat, there are so many improving and development on the carving design. It's because the original style of wooden carving get influence from Chinesse, India, Arab, and Europe style. So, the wooden carving have the change of it design.

On the 19th century, the development of Jepara Furniture Industry is become famous in many countries all over the world after R.A Kartini, the daughter of Jepara Head Residence introduce the wood carving products from Jepara to the Queen Wilhelmina on her marriage then R.A. Kartini also introduce Jepara wood carving through Oost en West
organisation that help on the market place. Another way how R.A Kartini introduce the wood carving is by sending it to her friends in Holland.

On the 20th century when Soeharto become a President of Indonesia, Jepara Furniture Home Industry get a support from the President's Wife to get the investor to expand their business and as a result, many foreign investor interested to expand their business to Jepara. Then the Europe design is dominate the production of Jepara Carving
Furniture up to now.

Take from http://www.xplorejepara.com/

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Face Of Jepara

Jepara Grand Mosque



Bandengan Beach



Kartini Beach



Mantingan Mosque


Kupatan And Anniversary Of Jepara




Art And HandyCraft


Public Place

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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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