TIMES SINGAPORE, MAGELANG – In the serene village of Ngadiharjo, located in Borobudur, Central Java, a small business called Casanga Craft is gaining recognition. This business becomes popular for its unique and intricate crochet works made from nylon thread.

Established in 2018, Casanga Craft represents more than just a business—it's a testament to the beauty of preserving tradition in an increasingly modernized world. While technology has transformed many industries, Casanga Craft remains committed to maintaining the originality and craftsmanship of handmade crochet products.

The artisans at Casanga Craft produce a variety of handcrafted items that appeal to a wide audience. Their product line includes bags, wallets, caps, tablecloths, umbrellas, and keychains, all of which are made with care and precision.

These products are priced affordably, ranging from IDR 10,000 for small items like keychains to IDR 500,000 for more elaborate creations. The combination of intricate designs, cultural value, and affordable prices has attracted many domestic tourists, especially those visiting the nearby Borobudur Temple.

Arum Tri Puji Lestari, the owner of Casanga Craft, shares how the business has grown over the years. “We initially marketed our products through friends and social media, and the response has been positive. Tourists visiting Borobudur appreciate our unique, handmade items,” she explained.

She also added that social media has become an essential tool for Casanga Craft, allowing them to reach customers beyond their local community. In addition to social media, the business also participates in government-sponsored exhibitions, providing an opportunity to showcase their products to a broader audience.

Despite the success, Casanga Craft faces several challenges. One of the main hurdles is the rise of competitors offering similar products at lower prices, which can be difficult for a small, handmade business to compete with.

Another issue is the limited number of skilled artisans who can crochet. Finding individuals who can maintain the high standards of craftsmanship required by Casanga Craft is not easy, and training new artisans takes time.

To overcome these obstacles, Arum has adopted a made-to-order system, which allows for more control over production and reduces excess inventory. Though this means that monthly revenue can be unpredictable, it ensures that each product is crafted with care and meets the customer's expectations.

In one of their best months, Casanga Craft managed to earn IDR 4 million, a significant achievement for a small business operating in a rural area.

Beyond the financial success, Casanga Craft has contributed to the growth of the local crochet community. Arum has observed a growing interest in the art of crochet, leading to the formation of a network of artisans and small businesses in the Borobudur region.

This sense of community not only supports the exchange of ideas and skills but also strengthens the local economy by promoting handmade, culturally significant products.

Looking ahead, Arum hopes that traditional crafts like crochet will continue to thrive in the Borobudur area. She believes that these handmade creations offer more than just functional items—they carry the cultural heritage of the community.

By preserving traditional crafting methods and promoting local artistry, Casanga Craft is not only helping to boost the local economy but also ensuring that the art of crochet is passed down to future generations.

Through their dedication to quality and their passion for handmade products, Casanga Craft is preserving the cultural identity of Ngadiharjo Village while providing unique, beautiful creations for people to enjoy. (*)