Kedungkandang (malangkota.go.id) – One of the creative economy sub-sectors that has promising opportunities is crafts. In Malang City, one of them is SKAKMAT Handmade which is a leather-based craft industry player. Prioritizing quality and uniqueness by relying on the touch of the hand in the workmanship, SKAKMAT Handmade is now growing.
The business owned by husband and wife Dwi Suswinarto and Septa Paradila is located in the New Putri Kartika Asri Housing Complex, Block B1 No. 6, Arjowinangun Village, Malang City. Dwi Suswinarto said that before starting this business, he was initially a painter and sculptor in Bali. However, in 2021 when the Covid-19 pandemic hit, he returned to Malang City and started a handmade leather business with his wife.
"Because we couldn't go anywhere during the pandemic, we finally came up with the idea of making leather products. Grateful that since we started until now, interest in our products has continued to flow," said Dwi when met at his house, Monday (25/3/2024).
SKAKMAT Handmade products include bags, wallets, leather accessories, belts, name tags, and key chains, all made with care and without compromise in terms of quality. Even so, the prices offered are still affordable, key chains starting at Rp15 thousand, card holders Rp100 thousand, belts Rp200 thousand to Rp250 thousand, wallets Rp250 thousand, bags starting at Rp450 thousand to above Rp1 million.
The enthusiasts are not only from Malang Raya, but also from various regions in Indonesia and even abroad. Starting from tourists, private offices, government, to artists. This proves that the quality offered is able to attract the attention of the market widely.
"Some buy online or directly here. Usually the information is by word of mouth, from people who have bought here and then told their friends or colleagues," explained Dwi.
He added that his business also accepts orders according to buyer requests. "For things like that, the price also depends on the level of difficulty in making it," he explained again.
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For the manufacturing process, Dwi said the process takes approximately three days to make a bag, while three wallets can be produced in one day.
Adding, Septa Paradila revealed that the handmade leather business she started with her husband happened accidentally. At that time, the business they were actually pursuing was making crackers and would be registered at the Malang City Cooperative and Industry Service.
"When registering the cracker business, I used a leather bag made by my husband with raw materials of leather and wood waste, that's when the officer from the service suggested that what was registered was only the leather business. And so this business came to this day," explained Septa.
By carrying the concept of quality and not commonplace, Septa is optimistic that his handmade leather craft products will develop and be able to compete amidst tight market competition.
Meanwhile, one of the buyers of SKAKMAT Handmade products, Martinus Prasetyo, expressed his pride and joy in being able to buy this quality local product. According to him, this original product from Malang City is made neatly and smoothly and the leather used is of the best quality. (cah/yon)
