Bali Statue Exports Up 19.94 Percent

INDUSTRY.co.id - Denpasar- Bali earned 5.03 million US dollars from exports of sculptures and various types of wood-based souvenirs during March 2018, an increase of 837,467 US dollars or 19.94 percent compared to February 2018 which recorded 4.19 million US dollars.

"However, the foreign exchange earnings compared to the same month in the previous year increased by 307,338 US dollars or 6.50 percent, because in March 2017 the delivery of various types of statues generated 4.72 million US dollars," said Head of Central Statistics Agency (BPS) Bali Province Adi Nugroho in Denpasar, Sunday (20/05/2018)

He said the hand-crafted hands of Balinese artisans and artists contributed 8.53 percent of Bali's total exports to 59.04 million US dollars during March 2018, an increase of 13.78 million dollars or 30.46 percent compared to the previous month recorded 45.26 million US dollars.

However, Bali's total exports compared to the same month the previous year increased 7.11 percent or 13.71 percent, because the export value in March 2017 only recorded 51.92 million US dollars.

Adi Nugroho added sculpture in various shapes and sizes of the creativity of artists and craftsmen Bali is one of the five commodities Bali mainstay that penetrates hundreds of countries in the world.

Four other Bali's mainstay commodities that penetrate the overseas market consist of fish and shrimp products of 25.51 percent, followed by jewelry products (gems) 15.88 percent, apparel products not knitted 15.16 percent and furniture and home lighting products of 5 , 45 percent.

Adi Nugroho explained that the US market absorbed the most of the sculpture of 18.33 percent, followed by Spain 8.77 percent, France 8.61 percent, Japan 4.69 percent and Australia 3.74 percent.

It also penetrated China's 1.07 percent market, Hong Kong 0.07 percent, Singapore 1.57 percent, Germany 3.69 percent and the rest 46.01 percent to various other countries in the world.

Handicraft center for sculpture development and various types of wood-based souvenirs in Bali is found in Gianyar Regency, because most of the rural community in that area cultivate the creative craft business.

Seeing the very promising opportunities in increasing the income and welfare of the community, sculpture business and various kinds of souvenirs from wood raw materials are now also developed in seven districts and one other city in Bali.

The business is not merely making sculptures, but also various other unique and interesting souvenirs that are highly sought after by overseas consumers, in addition to being bought by foreign tourists while enjoying a holiday in Bali, Adi Nugroho said.