We make crafts based on requests from companies we work with. Natural fiber craft products are mostly sold in America
Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta Specia (ANTARA) - Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta Special Region (ANTARA) - Natural fiber craftsmen in Sukoreno Village of Sentolo District, Kulon Progo District, Yogyakarta Special Region, have begun exporting natural fiber products made from banana fronds to markets in the United States.

The owner of Thiwuk CraftSukoreno Village, Arif, said in Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta, Tuesday that he is working with a company, based in Bantul district, that is in the field of natural fiber crafts.

"We make crafts based on requests from companies we work with. Natural fiber craft products are mostly sold in America," he said.

Handicrafts he produced were made from banana fronds brought from East Java. They range from baskets, chairs to handbags, he explained.

"Crafts from banana fronds are very popular in the US market. These baskets are used for clothes to place potted plants," he said.

Despite the high demand from the US, he is not yet confident of conducting exports himself and would rather involve a third party, he said.

However, having received technical guidance on how to export from the Kulon Progo Trade Office, he believed that the presence of the new Yogyakarta International Airport presents huge opportunities for artisans to export their handicrafts independently.

"We have received guidance on how to export and the mechanism involved. But in the meantime, we are still comfortable working with third parties," he said.

The Kulon Progo District Government provides an easy licensing process that they hope will increase the value of investment and reduce the level of poverty and unemployment, Assistant for Economic Development and Natural Resources of the Kulon Progo Regional Secretariat, Bambang Tri Budi Harsono, said.

"We also provide licensing facilities to increase the exports of local products," he said. (INE)

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Translator: Sutarmi/Aria Cindyara
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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