Handcrafted Balinese Garuda Golden Eagle Kite 'Golden Garuda' Item ID: 2671701270

I am a kite maker from lodsema, in Ubud; I am married and the proud father of a son. When I graduated from junior high school, I almost decided not to continue into senior high due to our financial situation. At the time my parents worked in construction and could not afford the tuition. They ended up selling roosters and when they realized that wasn't enough they sold the only jewelry they owned. Thanks to their efforts I graduated from senior school but did not go to university.

When I finished school I started working in a kite company and after 10 years I decided to become an independent kite-maker. I want to contribute to the preservation of existing Balinese customs, such as flying kites, which I enjoy too. When I started on my own, I also wanted to be able to create job opportunities for people in my community - especially mothers who could work from home therefore not sacrificing their time with their children. I figured this way we could all could also participate in different village activities.

This has become a family enterprise as I am now working with my wife, my mother in-law, my father, an uncle, and some neighbors. We craft the kites with bamboo that grows locally, nylon for the wings which I buy in Denpasar, and foam for the head.

I've created different designs in four sizes, including dragons, butterflies, dragonflies, eagles, peacocks, bats, owls, toucans, barong, frogs, fish, tigers, and pterodactyls. From all of these, my favorite one, which also seems to be the one most people like is the dragon. I work hard at designing kites that are totally different to other ones. My kites are very durable, they can be used for many years, and they can also be used as decorative items.

I heard about Novica from a friend and I hope together we can make an interesting association that will result in being able to offer more jobs to more people.