A Whirlwind Journey to Semarang: Crafting Sustainability and Design in Indonesia
I just returned from a whirlwind trip to Indonesia, where I had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with an extraordinary factory specializing in both furniture and ceramics.
This was my second time visiting Indonesia, but my first venture was to Semarang, a beautiful community about an hour's flight from Jakarta. What I experienced there was nothing short of inspiring, both in terms of artistry and the strides being made in sustainability.
On the way home!
My 6th and final flight home after an unbelievable trip!
The factory I worked with is a colossal facility—equivalent to five football fields! It hosts separate, specialized factories for each discipline: one for ceramics and another for furniture. The sheer scale of the operation was staggering, yet what stood out even more was the craft and talent of the artisans. Each person has a distinct role in the design and production process, contributing their expertise to create pieces that truly shine. Witnessing this level of skill and collaboration was a highlight of the trip.
The factory and the view from the grounds
But it wasn’t just the artistry that left a lasting impression. This factory embodies a circular strategy when it comes to sustainability. Their approach to materials is nothing short of innovative. For instance, their clay is processed in-house as a raw material, eventually becoming the medium used in ceramics production. What’s remarkable is that all discarded clay products are recycled back to their original form, ensuring minimal waste. I was particularly impressed by how the factory repurposes materials: bricks are made from ash that would otherwise be discarded, and the water extracted from the wood during the drying process is ingeniously used as a heating element in another part of the factory.
Examples of the Ceramics
This focus on sustainability is not just a surface-level effort; it’s woven into the very fabric of their production methods. The factory has achieved a prestigious wood certification (they’re the first in Indonesia to reach this high standard!), underscoring their commitment to sustainable practices.
Examples of the Woodworking
As always, the hospitality of the Indonesian people I met was heartwarming. From the delicious meals shared over conversations about design to the camaraderie I felt with the talented team of artisans, this journey was a perfect balance of work and adventure. My seven-day visit, while quick, was full of discovery, and left me excited about the future of sustainable design.
Indonesia, with its rich culture and dedication to craftsmanship, continues to be a source of inspiration for me. I look forward to future collaborations and to watching these talented artisans grow and thrive on the global stage.
