Indonesia is one of the countries that produces quality furniture. This is influenced by Indonesia’s geographical location as a tropical country. Besides that, Indonesia has abundant natural resources, especially teak wood as the main raw material for making quality furniture.
In 2019, Indonesia recorded a furniture export value of USD 1.7 billion. Indonesia, one of the largest wood-producing countries in the world, has managed to record the highest record. Furniture exports are one of the largest contributors to income.
Being in a tropical country means that Indonesia has natural wealth in the form of trees that produce quality wood. This wood will later be processed into high-value furniture.
Apart from wood, Indonesia is also a rattan-producing country which is exported to various countries in the world. As we know, rattan is one of the most expensive pieces of furniture.
All About the Furniture Industry in Indonesia
One of the considerations in creating furniture is quality wood. Indonesia has succeeded in meeting world standards for the main raw materials for making furniture. Quality wood from Indonesia, namely teak and mahogany, is a popular choice.
Teak and mahogany are woods that are sturdy, durable, and can even last a lifetime. Apart from the best raw materials, furniture from Indonesia also does not escape beautiful traditional designs.
Many craftsmen produce the best wood carvings for furniture and create a distinctive Indonesian furniture aesthetic. This reflects Indonesia as a classy, minimalist, and luxurious tropical country.
Tropical forests in Indonesia contribute almost 60% of the main raw material needed for making furniture. Indonesia’s natural wealth produces many products such as rattan, panels, paper, and pulp. There is no need to doubt the quality of wood from Indonesia.
Read also : 5 Tips to Find Quality Furniture
Popular Types of Wood from Indonesia
As the largest furniture-producing country in the world, Indonesia has natural wealth with various types of wood which are used as the main raw material for making furniture. The following are several types of wood that are generally used to make furniture:
-Teak wood
Teak wood is famous for its sturdy, strong, and luxurious properties. This wood is the most ideal type of wood for making high-end furniture because it is expensive and lasts a lifetime.
-Mahogany
The price of mahogany is cheaper than teak but its properties are not much different from teak wood. Mahogany is also luxurious, elegant, durable and is one of the best choices for making luxury furniture.
-Rosewood
This type of rosewood is famous for its natural dark finish, so the resulting furniture looks elegant and sleek.
Wood Carving Elements in Furniture from Indonesia
Apart from using quality wood, furniture from Indonesia is also famous for its beautiful carvings. Several styles of Indonesian furniture carving have their characteristics. Here are some popular carving styles:
-Jepara Style
Jepara is one of the largest furniture-producing regions in Indonesia. The carvings are also distinctive, showing elegance with a simple shape.
-Yogyakarta style
Yogyakarta-style carvings show the influence of Hinduism, Buddhism, and China on Indonesian culture. Some popular carvings include Dragon, Garuda, Geometric, and Flower motifs. It looks elegant, and luxurious but still looks simple.
-Balinese style
Balinese-style carvings seem more antique and take inspiration from the styles of Yogyakarta and Jepara.
As the largest furniture-producing country in the world, Indonesia succeeded in entering the global market decades ago. Until now, furniture from Indonesia is still a favorite of many people.
Apart from the sturdy raw materials of teak and mahogany, it is also because of the beautiful carvings on furniture from Indonesia. The carvings made by the hands of Indonesian craftsmen have succeeded in attracting world attention and making Indonesian furniture products very popular abroad.