Balikpapan market home to gemstones

The Jakarta Post, Balikpapan

Kebun Sayur market in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, is famous for its gemstones and semi-precious stones, with buyers both foreign and local regularly visiting the market in search of jewelry and other handcrafted wares.

Most famous among the market's offerings are gemstones, such as agate, amethyst, opal, topaz and turquoise.

The majority of the semi-precious stones come from Kalimantan, although some of the jewelry creations combine local gemstones with semi-precious stones from Abudabi, Bangkok, Dubai, India and Tanzania.

Nurhayati, a jewelry designer and owner of one of the market's many shops, Upik Shop, told The Jakarta Post she found her inspiration in trends and traditions both local and international.

"The Dayak people tend to combine all kinds of colors in designing necklaces, bracelets, brooches and other kinds of jewelry. Their creations are so classic and elegant.

"And Bangkok's trend in stringing stones into luxurious jewelry complements Indonesian style," said Nurhayati, who has run her jewelry shop since 1986.

The workers in Nurhayati's shop not only make and sell jewelry in a colorful array of necklaces, bracelets and brooches, but also invite customers to see firsthand how the jewelry is made.

Nurhayati said many prominent figures have visited her shop to purchase jewelry, including entertainers Ully Artha, Ully Sigar Rusady, Ulfa Dwiyanti and Tukul Arwana; the second runner-up for the 2006 Miss Indonesia pageant, Rahma M. Landy; and several wives of state officials.

The market, which opens daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., also features rattan mats called lampit, and various home decorations made from Kalimantan wood.

Sasirangan batik, silk batik and Kalimantan "Saho" are available at stores such as Kumalasari Shop, often at prices far lower than available at area retail centers.

Sasirangan and "Saho" batik prices start at Rp 75,000, while the most luxurious variety of silk batik sells for Rp 500,000.

Precious stones, such as zircon, crystal and white diamond valued at hundreds of thousands of rupiah, can be found in shops such as Permata Dua Saudara.

"I always seek polished diamonds in Kebun Sayur market because this is the trade center for precious and semi-precious stones in Kalimantan," said Zulkarnaen, a longtime visitor to Kebun Sayur.

"I think Kalimantan's diamonds are brighter than diamonds from Africa or other countries."