Indonesia’s Global Brands (Part 5: Electronics)
I have been using POLYTRON electronic equipments since the 90′s, and to me, its quality is above Japanese, Korean brands. The power of POLYTRON is on its sound quality. I have been wondering, this brand is so good, who made it? Well, only few months ago, I got the confirmation from a very reliable source that POLYTRON is purely Indonesian brand, and is one of the biggest and leading electronic manufacturers in Indonesia.
Polytron has 2 plants, in Kudus with an area of 70,000m2 and in Sayung Semarang with an area of 130,000m2 (the biggest refrigerator plant in Central Java) with more than 3,500 employees, 11 representative offices, 5 authorized dealers, 38 service centres and 2,500 dealers in Indonesia
Established on May 16, 1975 in Kudus using company name of PT. Indonesia Electronic & Engineering before changed to PT Hartono Istana Electronic on September 18, 1976 and then merged to be PT. Hartono Istana Teknologi.
Polytron has long range of product, from home teather, amplifier, HIFI, compo, LCD TV, DVD player, aircon, fridge, freezer, washing machine, dispenser etc.
Polytron has been successfully penetrating 32 countries worldwide, and now eyeing more countries to enter. It has patented over 20 of its products.
Polytron.co.id
Extended : Indonesia’s Global Brands (Part 4: Tiles)
This is the 4th part of Indonesia’s global brands series. This time, let’s talk about tiles.
ESSENZA
I was once in a building construction site in Singapore when I found that the contractor used Essenza tiles for the flooring. Only this morning I found out that Essenza is purely Indonesian product, and have been exported to the capital of tiles of the world, Italy. Made by PT Essensi Keramik Prima in Tangerang, Essenza has been exported to over 25 countries worldwide, and it is one of the few in the world to produce tiles sized 60×60 cm.
MULIA CERAMICS
The name shows that it is Indonesian product. But only few people knows that Mulia Ceramics, which produces brands like Accura, Maxima, prisma, Legend, Crystal, Magna, Ceramica Europa, and Signature, dominates the US market. They have exported those products to more than 50 countries worldwide.
Platinum Ceramics
PT. Platinum Ceramics Industry is one of the leading ceramic tiles manufacturer in Indonesia. Adopting the latest and most advanced technology, PT Platinum Ceramics Industry produces and markets a comprehensive range of products consisting of wall tiles, floor tiles, decorative tiles with many range of sizes.
With various designs, colors, types, and sizes, they have provided aesthetically superior and sophisticated lifestyle to customers worldwide. Platinum Ceramics Industry (upholding brands like Asia Tiles, and Platinum) has been exporting their products to over 60 countries in 5 continents.
PT Platinum Ceramics Industry is contunously absorbing Indonesian culture and embracing global trends.
Next time you renovate or build a house, you know what to use for flooring.
Indonesia’s Global Brands (Part 3: Tires)
Have you checked your car/motorbike tires this morning before leaving home this morning? Well, have you ever noticed the brand of your tires? They’re probably GT tires. GT stands for Gajah Tunggal, one of Indonesia’s global brands.
Gajah Tunggal (GT) is the largest integrated tire manufacturer in Southeast Asia and produces and markets a full range of tires and inner tubes for motorcycle, passenger cars, commercial and heavy equipment vehicles.
In 1951, GT Tire started its business by producing bicycle tires. Its current facilities have grown to world-class standards to manufacture international quality products, mainly radial, bias and motorcycle tires. GT Tire has received numerous certifications such as ISO 9001, ISO 9002, E-Mark from the European Community, the TUV CERT from Germany, quality testing from the US Department of Transportation, the BPS from the Philippines, and similar certification from the Government of Brazil.
GT Tire has made acquisitions of tire cord company, nylon filament company, bead and steel wire company and aluminum alloy wheel company as part of its plan to be a totally integrated company capitalizing on lower raw material costs. Previous and planned capacity expansions are intended to achieve economies of scale.
GT Tire has been steadily expanding its product range and quality to become one of Asia’s global tire exporters. To market its wide range of products, GT Tire has developed a strong domestic and international distribution network of more than 50 dealers throughout Indonesia and other international outlets in over 75 countries. Currently, GT Tire operates a total of five tire plants for bias tires, radial tires, motorcycle tires and tubes, automobile tire tubes and recycled rubber.
In some countries, GT Tire dominates the market. In Sri Lanka for instance, GT Tire secured 26% of the tire market last year, way above its competitors. GT has been leading Sri Lankan market for over 14 years now.
It produces a long range of tyre products, from van, tractors, motorbike, bus, and other heavy-duty vehicles. GT Radial is probably the most famous one.
One Of Indonesia’s Finest Sons
Hadi Soesastro, 1945-2010
Many, many people throughout Asia and the Pacific will be saddened to learn that Dr Hadi Soesastro died at 5am Jakarta time this morning (4 May 2010). Last Friday was his 65th birthday. Hadi was the inspiration of much that is good in Indonesia’s policies towards her neighbours in the region and in the cooperative arrangements that have been built in Southeast Asia, within East Asia and across Asia and the Pacific.
From CSIS in Jakarta, of which he was the distinguished Executive Director for many years, he provided the intellectual foundations for Indonesia’s positive regional and global engagements. In the contest of noble against less noble ideas, he was among the most noble and gracious of contestants. After this Forum was established, he naturally became one of its most influential contributors. He never rested in the search for the Holy Grail. In the past year, despite his illness, he seized the moment in defining the way forward for Indonesia, and other Asian players (among which he always included Australia), in global governance through the G20 and continued to work on this mission until his death.
There wasn’t a major constructive initiative in regional economic cooperation over the last several decades in which Hadi did not play a key role, in his quiet, persuasive, unassuming but decisive way. He was one of Indonesia’s finest sons. And we all claim him as our own – because he was, in so very many ways.
Thanks to Peter Drysdale!
This Very Young Professor Is Indonesian
Indonesia has arguably very large and potential human resources; one of them even gets achievement as America’s youngest professor. Prof. Nelson Tansu, Ph.D. is a native Indonesian. Nelson Tansu is the second child of Iskandar Tansu and Lily Ow who are domiciled in Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia.
Nelson Tansu’s achievements have been recognized internationally. The man who was born in Medan, October 20, 1977, already won 11 awards and has three patents for his research findings. At the age of 25 years, he earned his Ph.D. at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and then directly taught students of doctoral level. He became a professor at prestigious American universities, Lehigh University, Pennsylvania, teaching students at the masters level (S-2), doctoral (S-3), even post-doctoral in Electrical and Computer Engineering Department.
More than 84 researches and his writings were published in various international scientific conferences and journals. Frequently, he was invited to be a keynote speaker at various seminars, conferences, and meetings of intellectuals, especially in Washington DC.
Although Nelson Tansu’s name has been widely known throughout the world, few people know that this young professor is from Indonesia. On several occasions, many Turks think that Nelson has family relationship with former Turkish Prime Minister Tansu Ciller. Some also thinks that Nelson is from East Asia, specifically Japan. That is why some universities in Japan even openly asked Nelson to “return” to teach in Japan. Viewed from his name and face, Nelson Tansu is like those from Japan.
Credit: Indo Travel Tips blog
Indonesia’s Global Brands (Part 1:Fashion)
Indonesia’s global brands for bag, shoes, and lifestyle items: Delia Von Rueti, Nilou, Sabbatha, and Bagteria.
They are Indonesian brands which are currently known world wide as luxurious life style items.
Delia von Rueti
She is a handbag and jewelry designer, her collections use exotic materials like corals, reptile skins, sheep skin. All shows bold and excellent craftsmanship.
She opens her flagships in Zurich, Geneva, New York, La Jolla and Milan. Her high profile clients include Ani Yudhoyono (SBY’s wife), Michele Yeoh, Brit Bluebloods, and Al Fayeds. Visit the website here: http://www.deliavonrueti.com/.
Nilou (Niluh Djelantik)
Comfort and quality are prerequisites in all Niluh’s designs. Years of wearing high heels have taught her exactly what women wants in a shoe. The platform is made of rubber, embedded in the shoe structure. This ensures even weight distribution, regardless of heel height. Triple leathers are used with leather stacked heels. Niluh Djelantik shoes end up as beautifully crafted pieces of wearable art. No wonder women like Uma Thurman and supermodel Gisele Budchen wearing her high heels
Sabbatha
Every one of Sabbatha’s bags tells its own story with its arrangement of icons – the mix may include semiprecious stones, beads, and freshwater pearls, pieces of carved deer antler and buffalo horn, tassels, even antique coins. Produced in quantities of 5 to 10, each comes with its own certificate of authentication and a card bearing Sabbatha’s philosophy of life – retail from USD 500 up to Rp 2,500. They have already reportedly found favor with Hollywood celebrities, let say: Katie Holmes, supermodel Elle Macperson, and singer Helena Paparizou (one of his video clip use Sabbatha’s cover dress). Sabbatha may be found in Indonesia, Mumbai, Hawaii, Roma, Amsterdam, Milan, Cannes, Florence, Sydney, St. Tropez, Tokyo (Aug 09) and Moskow (Nov 09)
Bagteria
Bagteria was founded in 2000 by designer Nancy Go, Nancy uses traditional handcraft techniques such as embroidery, beadwork, and croche to craft the unique and collectible bag with their exquisite intricacy and quality. Many famous and well known ladies like Paris Hilton, Emma Thompson, Princess Zara Phillips, and Martine McCutcheon have been spotted with bagteria handbag to further enhance the beauty of their outfits. Bagteria’s stores are located in Italy (7) , Germany (4), Russia (1), Switzerland (1), Spain (3), Kuwait (4), Saudi Arabia (1), United Kingdom (2), France (2), Taiwan (1), Belgium (1), Japan (6), Malaysia (1), Korea (3), Hongkong (2), and Indonesia (2).
NASIONAL.IS.ME!
Tomorrow, 1st May 2010, is the day GNFI have been waiting for not so patiently.
Why?
Because starting tomorrow, Pandji Pragiwaksono‘s latest e-book, ‘Nasional.IS.ME‘ can be downloaded for FREE at his website, www.pandji.com!
That’s right, FREE!
Those who came to the launch of the e-book on 24th April 2010 at eX Plaza, Jakarta, were lucky to be able to download it then, and since then we’ve heard so many raving reviews from those who have read it.
GNFI believe, Pandji’s effort would have a positive impact on people’s outlook on this beloved nation, as well as relight the fire of nationalism in the hearts of every Indonesian. Good job, bro! You have our support!
And we heard GNFI got a mention in the e-book too. Curious? Make sure you download a copy of Nasional.IS.ME tomorrow at www.pandji.com.
We sure will! 
Sheilaon7′s Duta Special Shoutout for GNFI!
Duta… the vocalist of Sheilaon7, a judge in Idola Cilik, an actor in the movie ‘Tak Biasa”, a father of 2 beautiful children, but most of all, he’s a proud Indonesian!
And now, he has a few words to share with all good readers of GNFI!
Thanks to Duta for the honor, best of luck to you and Sheilaon7!
We Have “Indonesia Unite”
A total of 14 singers and bands that represent the movement “Indonesia Unite” launched song and Ring Back Tone titled ‘Rindu Bersatu’. They are Regine Velasquez, ST12, The Changcuters, Ungu, Rio Febrian, Kangen Band, Sherina, Nidji, D’Masiv, Vierra, Grid, Alexa, Geisha and Azura.
The launch of this song is part of the Indonesian program Unite: a long-term program aimed to explore and cultivate a spirit of unity, nationalism, non-violence, the creativity and achievement among young people.
According to Iwet Ramadan, one of the initiators of Indonesia Unite, as much as 10 percent of sales from RBT of “Rindu Bersatu,” will be donated to the Putera Sampoerna Foundation’s “Save A Teen”. Save a teen is a financial assistance given to outstanding youth who come from disadvantaged families. “This launch was one of Indonesia Unite concrete action,” said Iwet at Jakarta.
The launch of this song involves collaboration Indonesian Unite movement with four record labels: Warner Music Indonesia, Musica Studios, Sony Music, and Trinity Optima Production. Indonesia Unite itself was formed as a spontaneous reaction against the young Indonesian bombings JW Marriott and Ritz Carlton Hotel in July 17, 2009.
Beginning with a discussion of twitter users, Indonesia young childrens agreed to carry Unite as a movement. This movement uses a variety of media and social networking to rekindle the spirit of Indonesia, which rose from the crash.
After Darkness, Light Is born
Today, April 21st, you can find nationwide celebration of Woman Emancipation. Indonesians call it Hari Kartini. School children are normally asked to wear traditional attire today to school.
This morning, a woman asked me to write about Kartini, and here we go…
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Raden Ajeng Kartini is a hero in every sense of word. She heralded woman’s emancipation; she fought for equal rights to education regardless of gender and status. She opened the first Indonesian women school and campaigned for Indonesia’s independence from Dutch occupation, thus become a national hero.
Born on 21 April 1879, Raden Ajeng Kartini was a princess of Javanese nobility. She lived in Jepara, a small twon Central Java. As a carefree child, she always climbed trees and could not sit still. She earned the endearment of ’little bird’ because of her constant movement.
Kartini’s father was a little modern in allowing her to go to a Dutch elementary school with her brothers. The school was set apart for Dutch people and Javanese nobility. Here she met her Dutch friends and learned Dutch.
According to Javanese tradition at that time, daughters must be kept at home after finishing elementary education. Kartini’s status as a princess ensured her bondage; her father did not allow her to go to school and kept her at home for four years.
Kartini poured out her despair in letters to her friends in Holland. She saw no justice in reserving education to males of nobility. She understood that all Indonesians had to be educated to be liberated. She grieved for Indonesian women who, unlike the men, are not allowed to realize their calling.
In her letter to Stella on 18 August 1899, Kartini complained about the complicated etiquettes of Javanese nobility in carrying one’s self and addressing others. She proclaimed that her own discernment, not rules, would set her behavior.
She was not proud of her privileged status. To her, there are only two nobilities: the nobility of mind and the nobility of deed. She thinks that a person who boasts of one’s ancestors is crazy, since that person has not done any great deeds for humanity.
A ‘modern girl,’ in Kartini’s definition, is proud, independent, happy, self-reliant, enthusiastic and warm. Most importantly, a modern girl works for her own happiness and the greater good of humanity.
To Mrs. Ovinksoer on 1902, Kartini wrote of her desire to continue her education in Holland. She felt that Holland would prepare her better for the significant work she had chosen. She was determined to have education accessible for women.
Her letter alludes to problems with her father. She was an unconventional Javanese daughter; instead of being submissive and compliant, she had her own mind. On her struggles with her father, she wrote that Heavenly Father and good angels helped her.
Even though she yearned to go to Holland to study, she did not idealize Holland. In her letter to Mrs. Abendanon on 27 October 1902, she wrote that there are lots of things that are not fit to be called civilization beneath the beautiful exterior of European society.
On 8 November 1903, Kartini was married to Raden Adipati Djojoadiningrat. Her husband was not against her idea of women’s education; with his permission, she opened the first women elementary school. The school taught women to read and make handicrafts.
Kartini’s school was a breakthrough in Indonesian education field. It was the first school open to Indonesians regardless of their status. The school put moral education above the mind’s education.
In addition to fighting for women’s rights, Kartini fought for Indonesia’s independence from Dutch occupation. She no longer believed in the oppressors’ ‘good will’. She fully believed that the Indonesians, empowered by their youths, could bring about independence.
In her late twenties, Kartini died giving birth to her first son. Her admirers established a string of ‘Kartini schools’. She inspired other Indonesian women heroes, particularly from Sumatra. Her own people, the staunch traditional Javanese, were not particularly responsive.
Armijn Pane translated her letters, titled “Door Duitternis Totlicht”, to Bahasa Indonesia. The title was inspired by a verse of God’s calling out people from darkness into light. This verse can be found in both the Bible and Al Qur’an, the Moslems’ holy book.
Pane translated the tile to “Habis Gelap Terbitlah Terang”, which means “After Darkness, Light Is Born”. Kartini’s granddaughter, Prof. Haryati Soebadio, translates it to “Dari Gelap Menuju Cahaya”, which means “From Darkness Into Light”.
Raden Ajeng Kartini struggled for society to come out of their ignorance and prejudice to education and equality. She fought against gender and status discrimination. She also campaigned for Indonesia’s independence. She was a person anyone can look up to.
