Brilio.net/en - It all began with a journey to the island of Bali. Marlean was still a young man when he got inspiration to turn coconut shells into works of art. For most, the shells in question are nothing of value, but in Marleans hands, the value of the shells can skyrocket.
Marlean started producing the coconut handicrafts back in the 90s in Seduri, WOnodadi, Blitar. In 2012, his work began to grab the markets attention. After getting an intensive training from the local Industrial Department in 2013, the turnover can reach hundreds of million rupiah with production capacities up to 25.000 items, ranging from bags, wallets, belts, to accessories, said Marlean to Brilio. By setting the price at about IDR 10,000-200,000 for his coconut shell handicrafts, Marlean can get profits of tens of millions of Rupiah each month.
Unfortunately, not everything stays rosy. With the economic downturn and the increasing number of business competitors imitating his products, Marleans turnover has decreased too. Now, my business is constrained by the compounding items at wholesalers in Yogyakarta, Bali, and other cities, said Marlean.
Most wholesalers mark up the prices and it becomes more expensive than the retail price, and therefore elongating the time needed for an item to be sold. For instance, a seller in Beringharjo Market met by brilio.net set the price at around IDR 35,000-150,000.
Actually, I also have an idea to create a Batok(Coconut Shell) Tourism Village by processing coconut shells to be various daily products and perhaps be able to compete with the Chocolate Village in Kademangan, Marlean said.
Reporter: Fima Herdwiyanti