KBRN, Yogyakarta: Located in the heart of Yogyakarta, Kotagede has been the center of silver craft since the Dutch colonial era. Known as the "Jewlery of Jogja," Kotagede silver craft has grown rapidly and become one of the city's tourist attractions.

Initially, their silver products were only meant to fulfill the needs of the Kraton (Yogyakarta Palace). However, as time passed, Kotagede silver craft became a popular industry that attracted tourists worldwide.

Many Kotagede residents have improved their living standards thanks to the silver craft.

As one of the pioneers in Kotagede's silver craft industry, HS (Harto Suharjo) Silver, established in 1953 on Jalan Mondorakan, Prenggan Village, Kotagede Subdistrict, Yogyakarta, has successfully maintained Kotagede's centuries-old silver tradition.

With innovative designs and guaranteed quality, HS Silver products such as jewelry, tableware, and interior decorations have successfully penetrated local and international markets.

"My parents started this silver business. Initially, it focused on imitation crafts under the name 'Terang Bulan.' Still, in the 1970s and 1980s, it expanded into silver craftsmanship," said Margani Nugraha, Director of HS Silver and one of Harto Suharjo's sons, on Tuesday (Jan 14).

Margani explained that HS Silver initially produced silver household utensils. However, during the 1980s and 1990s, a shift in market demand led to declining orders. Consequently, HS Silver began making silver jewelry.

Silver earrings are among the most popular export items sought after. (Photo: RRI English/Diva Rifdah Rizkia Puspitaningnala)

"Our strategy is always to evaluate both business and design, and we must pay attention to the market. We export our silver products to the Middle East, Japan, Europe, and South America," said Margani.

HS Silver, one of the pioneers of silver craft in Kotagede, has successfully penetrated the international market. As many as 60 percent of their products, mainly jewelry, wall hangings, and miniatures, are exported, while the remaining 40 percent are marketed domestically.

"The uniqueness of our silver lies in its creation process, which employs the delicate filigree technique of twisting fine silver. All our silver products are 100 percent handmade with exceptional precision and detail," said Nanang Rosiananto (Rosi), Marketing Communication of PT HS Silver.

With a vision and mission to preserve the legacy of the Harto Suharjo family and develop the business to an international level, HS Silver is committed to providing benefits to the company, employees, and the wider community.

"Our annual turnover is approximately IDR 1.34 billion, which comes from export proceeds of IDR 934 million and our retail store of IDR 400 million," said Margani.

In addition to selling silver jewelry, the company offers a unique experience to our visitors. In addition to purchasing high-quality silver products, visitors can also embark on an educational tour to witness the silver jewelry-making process.

Participants can join the silversmith workshop for IDR 300,000 per person. Here, visitors not only learn how to make silver jewelry but also have the opportunity to meet new people and exchange information about Yogyakarta.

"We prepared the frame, so the workshop participants decorated the silver jewelry. For a two-hour duration, visitors can choose the workshop session. There are two sessions: the morning session starts at 9.30 a.m., and the afternoon session begins at 1 p.m. local time," said Rosi.

Jalan Kemasan and Mondorokan in Kotagede are not just a street but also a global center of silver craftsmanship. For decades, silver stores such as Tom Silver, MD Silver, HS Silver, and Narti Silver have become icons of the area.

By visiting these silver stores, you will find a variety of beautiful silver products and experience the long history and cultural heritage contained within. ***