Portable walls – the amazing "gedeg"
I am pleased to report that Subur Gemi Nastiti (SGN) from the tiny village of Sekaralas in East Java is still working alongside the community in Bicak and Ngunut. We are now focusing on moving families that are still living in tents into houses.
Many traditional village houses in Java have woven bamboo walls called gedeg. These walls are lightweight, easily carried and erected, yet strong and very hardy.
SGN volunteers from Sekaralas have been working hard sourcing gedeg from around the villages of Sine and Tenden in Ngawi, East Java.
Since the earthquake, the demand for gedeg has soared and it is becoming increasingly difficult to get a good price. We are now paying around Rp 15,000 per sheet, which is about $2.20 Australian – and that is, if we are lucky and manage to put in our order very quickly. As there are many unscrupulous traders taking advantage of the increased demand, and selling each piece on location in Yogyakarta and surrounds for up to Rp 35,000 – that is more than double the asking price in Sine!
The first gedeg distribution-day went without a hitch. During consultation with the community in Bicak and Ngunut, it was decided that houses along the main roads would receive their gedeg first so that these houses can connect to the main electricity grid and lighten up the roads into each village.
Our first load of gedeg consisted of 160 sheets, which we distributed between 26 households.
Rolls of gedeg - our first delivery.
A gedeg weaver from the village of Tenden in Ngawi, East Java.
Many traditional village houses in Java have woven bamboo walls called gedeg. These walls are lightweight, easily carried and erected, yet strong and very hardy.
SGN volunteers from Sekaralas have been working hard sourcing gedeg from around the villages of Sine and Tenden in Ngawi, East Java.
Since the earthquake, the demand for gedeg has soared and it is becoming increasingly difficult to get a good price. We are now paying around Rp 15,000 per sheet, which is about $2.20 Australian – and that is, if we are lucky and manage to put in our order very quickly. As there are many unscrupulous traders taking advantage of the increased demand, and selling each piece on location in Yogyakarta and surrounds for up to Rp 35,000 – that is more than double the asking price in Sine!
The first gedeg distribution-day went without a hitch. During consultation with the community in Bicak and Ngunut, it was decided that houses along the main roads would receive their gedeg first so that these houses can connect to the main electricity grid and lighten up the roads into each village.
Our first load of gedeg consisted of 160 sheets, which we distributed between 26 households.
Rolls of gedeg - our first delivery.
A gedeg weaver from the village of Tenden in Ngawi, East Java.
posted by Anonymous at Saturday, August 12, 2006
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