What Makes This Ceramics Business Turn Over 22 Times During The Pandemic?

Ganjar Pranowo (Photo via Central Java Provincial Government)

SALATIGA - The story of Roy Wibisono's success with his ceramic business named Naruna has long been heard by the Governor of Central Java, Ganjar Pranowo. Interestingly, during this pandemic, the turnover of Naruna's ceramic business has even increased 22 times.

Since then, Ganjar claimed to want to meet to see firsthand the success. And it finally materialized.

Ganjar came and inaugurated Naruna Space on Jalan Sawosari, Bugel Village, Sidorejo District, Salatiga City, Sunday, March 27.

"I got a story yesterday (about Naruna) and it made me curious. Finally, today I was able to attend and I've been around," said Ganjar when giving a speech in his written statement.

While walking around Naruna Space, Ganjar's curiosity was slowly cured, even since he first entered the gallery, workshop, and cafe. Ganjar seemed to see the complete package of an industry. There, Ganjar saw children learning to make ceramics from clay. He had time to talk to the children.

"What are you doing? How about it, enjoy making that?" asked Ganjar to the children.

"This is for balls," answered one of the children, showing Ganjar a clay circle.

While the other child showed Ganjar that he wanted to make a glass. "This is going to make a glass," said another child.

After talking with the children, Ganjar continued to walk around to see the collections in the gallery. He also had time to join in live marketing on social media carried out by marketing.

It didn't stop there, Ganjar's curiosity really paid off when he saw the workshop section. Where he can have a direct dialogue with the craftsmen who have joined Naruna since the beginning in 2019.

Ganjar said, Naruna is a creative industry that can survive the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic. When many businesses experience a decline in sales, Naruna can actually grow rapidly by achieving sales many times over.

"In the midst of a pandemic, it can increase 22 times or around 2,200 percent. Wow. Ceramics with interesting designs. The strength of this design is good, top marketing, and research is carried out continuously. Now starting to be extended with more and more products, exports are up to 12 countries," said Ganjar accompanied by the owner of Natuna Space, Roy Wibisono.

Ganjar also explained how the Naruna ceramic industry was complete and very good. First, he recruits employees by taking the best graduates of Vocational High Schools (SMK), both for craftsmen and marketing. Second, it sells its products online. Third, he makes places like Naruna Space accessible to the public.

"This is interesting. This is a studio, a workshop, a place to sell as well as a place to learn and it's free. So there really is a good transformation of learning. Naruna is really cool," he said.