Sepatu Rumahan Tanpa Mesin Dari Ciomas | SECRET STORY (06/04/25)

Summary

This video explores the decline of the once-thriving shoe industry in Ciomas, Bogor, Indonesia, known as 'Kampung Sepatu.' Despite being a hub for high-quality, handmade shoes, the number of local artisans has drastically decreased due to rising competition, technological advancements, and high production costs. The video features long-time shoe makers like Noni and Bara, who continue the tradition of manual craftsmanship amidst the challenges. With the rise of foreign brands, the local industry struggles to stay afloat, and the younger generation shows little interest in continuing the craft, threatening the survival of this unique heritage.

Takeaways

• 😀 Indonesia is ranked fifth globally as a consumer of footwear products, and the fourth-largest producer of footwear internationally.
• 😀 Bogor, especially Ciomas, is known as a hub for shoe artisans, with the area famously referred to as 'Kampung Sepatu' or 'Shoe Village'.
• 😀 While the industry was once dominated by many producers, the number of artisans in Ciomas has significantly declined, with only a few remaining in business today.
• 😀 Many artisans, like Noni, have continued their family businesses for years, producing handmade shoes like flats for women, mostly using synthetic leather.
• 😀 The production process in Ciomas is still largely manual, without the use of machines, including making patterns and finishing touches by hand.
• 😀 The shoe industry in Ciomas has faced significant challenges, including reduced orders, increased production costs, and competition from larger brands and technology.
• 😀 Bara, another artisan from Serang, has been making shoes for over 30 years and learned the trade from a young age, showing the importance of hands-on experience in the industry.
• 😀 As technology has evolved, the demand for traditional handmade shoes has decreased, and younger generations are less inclined to learn the craft, preferring modern alternatives.
• 😀 Despite declining demand, some artisans like Bara continue to produce shoes with small profits, focusing on keeping their businesses afloat with the help of family and a small team.
• 😀 The shoes produced in Ciomas offer a combination of quality, affordability, and locally sourced materials, making them a valuable alternative to mass-produced brands, even though their prices remain much lower.

Q & A

What is the significance of Ciomas in Indonesia's footwear industry?

Ciomas, located in Bogor, West Java, is historically known as 'Kampung Sepatu' (Shoe Village) and has been a significant center for shoe craftsmanship. It was once a dominant player in the footwear market, supplying high-quality shoes to the Sejabodetabek area.

Why has the number of shoe artisans in Ciomas drastically decreased?

The number of artisans has decreased due to various factors, including increased competition from larger manufacturers, rising material costs, technological advancements, and a lack of interest from younger generations in pursuing the craft.

How have artisans like Noni and Bara managed to keep the tradition of shoe-making alive?

Despite challenges, Noni and Bara continue to produce shoes manually, relying on their years of experience and family traditions. Noni has been making flat shoes for 15 years, while Bara has over 30 years of experience in the craft, showing resilience and adapting to changing market demands.

What is the current state of the shoe production business in Ciomas?

The shoe production business in Ciomas has seen a significant decline, with fewer artisans continuing their work. While some businesses still operate, many have shut down, and the younger generation is not as interested in learning the trade, which threatens the survival of the industry.

What is the primary material used in the shoes produced by the artisans in Ciomas?

The primary materials used by artisans in Ciomas are synthetic leather and high-quality alternatives. While not all artisans use genuine leather to keep costs down, they ensure that the materials they use are durable and long-lasting. However, they can also cater to requests for genuine leather.

What makes shoes produced in Ciomas stand out compared to mass-produced footwear?

Shoes from Ciomas stand out due to their manual production process, which ensures high quality, attention to detail, and customization. They offer a combination of excellent craftsmanship, affordable prices, and the ability to follow the latest fashion trends, which distinguishes them from mass-produced footwear.

How have price increases for materials like leather and glue affected the artisans?

The increase in prices for materials such as leather, glue, and other components has placed a significant strain on the artisans in Ciomas. These rising costs contribute to a decrease in profit margins, making it more difficult for smaller businesses to survive in the face of larger competitors.

How does the competition from large footwear brands impact the local artisans in Ciomas?

The competition from large footwear brands, with their established global presence and marketing strategies, has made it harder for local artisans to maintain their market share. The influx of cheaper, mass-produced shoes has overshadowed the unique, handcrafted products from Ciomas, leading to a decrease in demand.

What challenges does the lack of younger apprentices pose for the shoe-making industry in Ciomas?

The lack of younger apprentices poses a significant challenge to the shoe-making industry in Ciomas, as it threatens the transmission of traditional skills to future generations. Without new artisans learning the craft, the industry faces the risk of extinction, and the older artisans have no one to pass their knowledge to.

What hope do the artisans have for the future of shoe production in Ciomas?

Despite the challenges, the artisans in Ciomas remain hopeful that with renewed interest from younger generations and a focus on training new apprentices, the shoe-making tradition can survive. There is also hope that people will appreciate the value of locally made shoes over branded, mass-produced alternatives.