When we first arrived in Jakarta, Zeric and Mom and I went to a presentation by Ibu Dini of Toraja Melo. She was telling us about the organization she started called Toraja Melo. She started it to both preserve the disappearing art of weaving in Toraja (on the island of Sulawesi) and to provide the women with additional income. See http://www.torajamelo.com/templates/home.html Mom saw a purse that she liked so much that we got special permission for her to buy it at the very, very end of the event (they were not authorized to sell at that event).
Three years later, we invited Ibu Dini to present at our AmCham committee meeting as a social entrepreneur. She did a great job telling her story from a business and development point of view, she's come a long way! Of course, I had to go visit her shop before the holidays, and some of our friends got some gifts all the way from Toraja! She's exporting to Japan, and she has written two books recording the traditional techniques and designs of the Toraja weavers. Let me know if you want some.. I'm happy to support her more :)
We offer handmade quality products from the Tana Toraja area of Indonesia. Our products are crafted in the traditional style by our unique group of artisans. Each item is a one of a kind piece of art. Toraja Melo was created to improve the lives of the artists and their families by helping them sell their products worldwide. Quality is key. We only offer products that meet our high standards. We want you and your friends to be satisfied with your purchase and shop with us again.
