On the Indonesian island of Java, a skilled team of craftsmen are hard at work. One of them is Yayu Sukiram. Yayu has worked at the factory for 17 year as Head of Machine Production, overseeing the transformation of raw, premium-grade teak sourced from government-controlled, sustainable plantations into outdoor furniture with a worldwide reputation.
He says it is the endurance and colour of teak that makes it such a special timber to work with. But despite his years of experience, he says he is always learning new methods of craftsmanship. Single, and therefore “free for adventure”, Yayu enjoys his work knowing that the craftsmanship he oversees in Java will be appreciated around the world for years to come.
And when asked if there is one person anywhere in the world he could meet, he doesn’t hesitate to say his mother. “I always want to hear her prayer, and her advice.” As the Indonesian proverb says, a mother’s love is never ending.
