The export market for Balinese silver handicraft products is still able to triumph in the atmosphere of the Covid-19 pandemic. It is shown that the export value for the eight months of January-August 2021 reached 15 million US dollars (Rp 214 billion). This export value is the largest compared to the export of other handicraft products. Kadek Romo, a silversmith in Celuk Village, Sukawati Gianyar, confirmed the potential of the silver export market. But according to Romo, it depends on the craftsman himself. Is it able or not to meet the standards desired by the market or the buyer. Moreover, currently the dominant buyers are startup business actors abroad, who demand speed and accuracy. This requires creativity and innovation from craftsmen. "Creative fast and precise is what is required," he said. For example, how buyers send samples online, then craftsmen must be able to work on products in a fast and precise time.
According to Kadek Romo, the fast and precise demands are due to the competition factor. Usually, continued Kadek Romo, outside buyers play on two legs. Apart from Indonesia or Bali, buyers have vendors in other countries. Which craftsmen can meet the standards set that is selected. From what he experienced, Kadek Romo stated that the export of silver handicrafts was still going on even during the current pandemic. "In fact, for us to increase," said Kadek Romo. But he couldn't be sure if the same thing happened in other places or craftsmen. He added that the relatively small size of the product also helps the export of silver handicrafts.
Silver products do not require large containers or containers, but cargo is sufficient. So that the scarcity of containers does not affect the export of silver handicrafts. Shipping with cargo, is carried out through Jakarta (Soekarno – Hatta Airport) because I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport is not yet open for international flights. Data from the Bali Department of Trade and Industry shows that Bali's silver handicraft exports have penetrated to various countries in the world. Among them are South Africa, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Columbia, Denmark, England, Russian Federation, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Egypt, Mexico, Nederland, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Spain and so on to the USA. .
The export value for 8 months from January-August 2021 was 15,499,421.29 US dollars. This value is the highest of dozens of handicraft exports. Below silver handicrafts are exports of wood crafts with a value of 13,676,449.80 US dollars and exports of furniture crafts with a value of 10,257,850.00 US dollars in third position. Head of the Bali Province Trade and Industry Agency (Disdagprin) I Wayan Jarta said the export showed silver handicrafts still had market prospects abroad even in a pandemic atmosphere.
Sources: https://www.nusabali.com/berita/103737/ekspor-perak-bali-masih-berjaya
