Tabanan, Rainbow over Ricefields

Mini "Penjor" Made from "Lontar" Leaf

The sluggish condition of Bali tourism due to Bali bomb tragedy (2002 & 2005), SARS and avian influenza, in fact, does not discourage the creativity of Balinese artists to create several kinds of souvenir products. Seemingly, they remain to have regular foreign buyers so quite a few of their handicraft products have been consigned there. Beyond question, it is caused by the taksu (divine inspiration) of Bali that is capable of revitalizing the creativity of its artists.

Just have a look at the development of Puzzle Bali Kumiki handicraft at Pangkung Hamlet, Pejaten, Kediri-Tabanan. Originally Bali Kumiki, situated some 25 km west of Denpasar only produced puzzles (knock-down games) in various motifs like car, motorcycle, animal, bird and Christmas tree. Today, the business founded in 1995, has produced souvenir products by using the material of lontar leaf. Its souvenir takes the shape of mini penjor as ornament of ashtray and pencil box. In addition, it can be used as an ornament of lamp and Christmas accessories in combination with colourful beads.
According to I Nyoman Mahardika, General Manager of Puzzle Bali Kumiki, the idea to make the souvenir was based on the order of a foreign customer. He liked to see the penjor - poles decorating street sides during the Galungan festive season. Then this customer asked him to make a miniature of the penjor- pole, to use it to decorate an ashtray and pencil box. "At the beginning, I was still in doubt. Having tried it, in fact, it drew many interested customers," he responded.
The mini penjor is made from lontar leaf and its pole from refined wood. Its colour is adjusted to the request. However, they are mostly of the original colour as that of the lontar leaf. On such souvenir can be affixed the company’s logo or wording as per request. Products of this kind have been widely on display from at Nusa Dua up to Surabaya (East Java) and some others have been exported to Europe. "It was our condition in the past, but today, ours is getting to be lethargic," he added.
Besides of orders in large number he received, Mahardika also received many complaints. His major problem lies on the fact that the penjor is easy to be overgrown by fungus. Its colour changes and looks unclean. "To diminish such complaints, we do some endeavours. For instance, we coat it by varnish, but its outcome remains nothing. Probably, this factor makes the penjor not sell well in the market," he said regretfully.
And what now? "I remain to make puzzles and interior accessories like candlestick, ceramic frame, glass receptacle and so forth," replied Mahardika while explaining that his handicraft products are mostly sold abroad such as to Europe, Australia and America. (BTN/015)