Asian Games dollmaker seeks to share happiness, empower people
A doll manufacturer in Malang, East Java, is among the many businesses that has benefited from the upcoming Asian Games.
Istana Boneka has been given a permit to manufacture merchandise for the quadrennial event, namely dolls of its mascots Bhin Bhin, Atung and Kaka.
“We’re grateful to have been trusted to present Indonesia through [dolls of ] these endangered animals to [Asian Games] participants as well as guests from abroad; it’s not just about the money,” Istana Boneka owner Susan Soewono said at her factory in Malang on Friday.
An employee of Istana Boneka packs dolls of Atung the Bawean deer at the company's factory in Malang, East Java, on Friday, Aug. 10, 2018. (JP/Nedi Putra AW)
Established as a home industry business in 2000, the manufacturer strives to develop new techniques in order to create better products at a faster pace.
“We first receive a style guide in 2D images. Then we process them as 3D images using a computer and finally create a doll from them,” Susan said, adding that the company – which employs about 300 workers – finally received approval to manufacture the dolls in April.
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Istana Boneka has made hundreds of thousands of Asian Games mascot dolls.
“However, since they are a special order, we cannot sell them directly [to customers]. We only manufacture them and deliver them to license holders,” Susan explained.
Istana Boneka’s factory produces an average of 3,000 dolls every day based on orders from all over the world, including from Hollywood film studios like Disney and Universal Studios.
To ensure the quality of its product, the company offers a lifetime guarantee for all of its dolls.
“Other than sharing happiness with children and adults with our dolls, for me the most important thing is empowering the [Indonesian] people with this business,” Susan said.