Gourmet products
Coffee. Indonesia currently ranks fourth in the world in coffee production, a legacy dating back to the 17th century when the Dutch introduced Arabica coffee. Around 1.7 million Indonesians make their living from coffee, with 90% of producers coming from small farms. In his bucket list, Carter Chambers, the character played by Morgan Freeman in Bucket List, notes "drink luwak coffee". But why is luwak coffee on this list? Quite simply, because it's considered one of the best in the world, rare and, above all, very expensive. Harvested from the excrement of Indonesian civets, the luwak beans are then cleaned and roasted. Earthy and syrupy, this coffee is generally appreciated for its lack of bitterness. A cup of this coffee in Indonesia sells for around 80,000 Rp. In London, the same cup can fetch £50! The price of beans per kilo varies between 150 and 300 euros. However, the over-exploitation of the Luwaks and their living conditions raise ethical concerns. For those wishing to taste and buy this coffee, it is advisable to choose reliable, reputable sources. For an authentic, more animal-friendly experience, we suggest visiting plantations where civets live in freedom (think Teba Sari Agrotourism, Bali Pulina or Lumbung Sari House of Luwak Coffee in Bali). That said, think again: "Am I prepared to pay so much for a luxury product that could harm the animals? If the answer is "no", consider alternatives such as Mandheling from Sumatra, a fair-trade certified coffee produced by the Koperasi Kopi Wanita Gayo cooperative in Aceh province, or Toraja coffee from Sulawesi.
Tea. Known for its long and fascinating history of tea cultivation, dating back to Dutch colonial times, Indonesia is now the world's sixth largest tea producer. Located mainly in the mountainous regions of Java, Sumatra and Sulawesi, Indonesian tea plantations benefit from a tropical climate and rich volcanic soil, giving the tea distinctive, sought-after flavours. This geographical particularity enriches the taste of the tea, giving it a complexity rarely found in other teas around the world. Tea lovers will be delighted by the variety on offer: from robust black tea to delicate green and oolong varieties. These teas, available in local markets and souvenir stores, are perfect for bringing home a piece of Indonesian history and flavor. What's more, for an authentic experience, visitors can purchase these teas directly from the plantations, obtaining a unique and personal souvenir of their trip.
Spices. Bringing home Indonesian spices such as nutmeg, cloves and turmeric is an excellent idea, as they offer unrivalled quality and freshness. What's more, they make original and appreciated gifts for food lovers, transforming every meal into an exotic gustatory adventure.
Fashion and clothing
A Batik. Batik fabrics, emblematic of Indonesia, are created with meticulous care, each motif being designed and dyed by hand. This tradition, which originated on the island of Java in the 17th century and is recognized by Unesco, is so precious that it has been enshrined as a national holiday. The Batik dyeing technique involves the manual application of wax resin to the fabric, which is then immersed in the dye. The wax-covered areas resist the color, forming distinctive patterns. Once dyeing is complete, the fabric is boiled to remove the wax, revealing complex, vibrant color designs. These patterns are not only aesthetically pleasing; they also carry profound meanings, often linked to local history and traditions. Each region of Indonesia has developed its own style of Batik, reflecting a rich cultural diversity. The motifs are numerous and can be classified into categories and geographical styles. Each region defines its own style: Yogyakarta and Solo, the two kingdoms, have seen their schools flourish over the centuries. Indigo, yellow, amber and brown have graced the courts of the sultanates and the dancers of bedoyo and serimpi. The pleasure culture of the north coast is famous for its bright colors. In Pekalongan, Chinese influences allow for flower and bird motifs, while in Cirebon, carmine or vermilion backgrounds support dragons and gigantic plant stems, or the sublimely elegant wadas singa (rocks and lions), where lions, leafy trees, parasols and dragons mingle. There are two main varieties of Batik: handmade and printed. Handmade Batik is more expensive due to its intensive manufacturing process and unique artistic nature. Printed batik, on the other hand, is more affordable, although it doesn't have the same craftsmanship value. The prices of batiks are astonishingly low, compared to the amount of work required for each piece, which can take from a week to a month to produce, at a rate of 3 hours a day! The price depends on the finesse of the design and the number of colors used. To make sure that the Batik you buy has been made in the traditional way (it's a real piece of art, not just a factory-printed fabric), first check that the design is the same on each side of the fabric. You can also wash a real Batik - it won't fade.
Sarong. This is the traditional Indonesian garment par excellence, but it is also found in Thailand, Laos, Malaysia... Worn by men and women alike, on ceremonial occasions or in everyday life, but especially outside the big cities, it consists of a square of fabric at least one meter wide, which is wrapped around the waist. Indonesian patterns are mainly checks and lines, rather like Scottish kilts. The sarong is also distinguished by its versatility, being used as a skirt, scarf, blanket, beach or picnic towel. It's also practical for covering up when visiting temples.
Jewelry. Indonesia, with its rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship, offers an amazing variety of jewelry, each reflecting the history and traditions of the country's many islands and cultures. Balinese craftsmen, for example, are famous for their intricate filigree and granulation techniques, resulting in delicate, detailed pieces. These are often adorned with traditional motifs, such as the Barong (lion) and Rangda (demon queen), representing mythological and spiritual figures. You'll find these unique jewels in Celuk, a Balinese village where families have been practicing these ancestral techniques for generations. Otherwise, the Javanese, known for their subtle and elegant use of gold, produce jewelry inspired by nature and local mythology. Then, in Sumatra, traditional jewelry is often made of gold, characterized by its imposing size and rich ornamentation. For those who prefer more contemporary pieces, many designers such as John Hardy, Monad Design, Antyk Butyk and Zlaba incorporate traditional elements into their creations.
Crafts and souvenirs
A Wayang puppet. Wayang puppets, originally from Indonesia, are traditional art objects used for shadow play. Made from finely cut and painted leather, they depict characters from Indonesian mythology, such as kings, princesses and knights. The puppets are manipulated by artists called dhalang, who use them to narrate stories combining entertainment and life lessons. These performances are not only an art form, but also a means of transmitting cultural and spiritual values. As souvenirs, Wayang puppets are perfect for those interested in culture and art. They can be used as decorative elements, especially near windows where the light can create interesting shadow effects. They are also educational, and can be a fun way to introduce children to Indonesian stories and culture.
A traditional musical instrument. Theangklung, originally from the Sundanese community in Indonesia, is an ideal souvenir for music and culture lovers. This unique instrument is made up of bamboo tubes attached to a frame, each producing a distinct note when shaken. Unlike the more complex and bulky gamelan, theangklung is perfect for travelers looking for a souvenir that's both easy to carry and fun to play. Other instruments such as the kulintang, didgeridoo or suling also offer interesting options.
Wooden crafts. In a country with so many forests, it would have been surprising if woodworking wasn't so abundant. First and foremost, Javanese and Balinese masks, figurines representing Hindu gods and Javanese Ioro blonyo , which protect the home from evil spirits. In particular, the Topeng mask, used in ceremonies and theatrical performances, is a masterpiece of local craftsmanship (for a more vintage touch, explore the antique stores). You can also buy crockery, spoons, bowls and containers of all kinds. Last but not least, how can you miss teak, rattan or bamboo furniture?
A kris. The kris, a traditional Indonesian dagger with an asymmetrical, wavy blade, is an emblematic object to bring back from your trip. More than a weapon, each kris is a work of art, meticulously forged and charged with symbolism. Used in ceremonies and rituals, it is shrouded in mystery and often considered a talisman endowed with magical powers. Don't forget to pack it in your checked luggage for the return journey.
Pottery. Indonesia's pottery embodies a rich artistic and cultural heritage, reflecting the country's diversity and creativity. Each region has developed its own distinct style, from the colorful ceramics of Bali to the earthenware jars of Lombok. Local potters perpetuate ancestral techniques, creating pieces ranging from utilitarian bowls and vases to decorative masks and sculptures. To acquire these handcrafted treasures, explore local markets, visit artisan workshops and discover art galleries across the country.
