In Reply to: Buying Furniture In Java posted by VincentUK on Tuesday, 20. February 2007 at 12:29 Bali Time:
Whilst not in the business anymore, did bring in quite a lot of furniture from Java to Australia over the years.
The majority of product that is available on the streets in Bali is not kiln dried meaning that it is prone to crack when you take it back to less humid climates. Bali has also been traditionally used as a 'clearance house' by the few, larger manufacturers in Java ....usually for stock that they can't move, seconds or the like.
As the other respondent mentioned Jepara is the centre for furniture manufacturing in Java but you will also find a lot of rubbish there.
After about two years we found a large company (by Indo standards) that employed approximately 500 people and made furniture for the European market under stringent European quality controls. We used them exclusively for our business.
Therefore, the best way for you to find where to go is to search the internet for the type(s) of furniture you are after. Make contact with a number of suppliers via email/phone and do your research before you go. When you get to Java personally view their operations so that you are comfortable with them before making an agreement to purchase.
There is a myriad of suppliers in Java so good luck with your searches and your purchases.