"Creating Furniture Brings Me Joy" – An Interview with Riri
Name: Riri
Function: Carpenter
Which workshop are you working in?
I work in a workshop near my home, close to Situbondo, East Java.
How long have you been a carpenter/furniture maker?
I have been making furniture for more than 15 years now.
What is your specialism/biggest quality?
I specialize in furniture made from recycled boat wood. I love working with this material because every piece has a unique texture and color, telling a story of its past.
What do you like most about your job?
I enjoy transforming old boat wood into something new and useful. It makes me happy to see how this wood, which once sailed the sea, now finds a new purpose in people’s homes.
Which furniture model is your favorite?
I really enjoy making TV cabinets and vitrinekasten from boat wood. Each one is different, with its own character.
Who taught you this work, who did you learn from?
I learned this craft from my older brother. He taught me everything about working with wood, and over the years, I developed my own style.
Are there specific Indonesian cultural elements that you incorporate into your designs/work?
Sometimes I include traditional Indonesian carvings or patterns. It’s a way to bring a little of our culture into the furniture.
What are you the most proud of and why?
I feel proud when I finish a piece of furniture and see how unique it has become. It’s even more rewarding when I know that customers appreciate my work.
Can you tell us a bit about your personal life? (Where do you live, do you have a family, etc.)I live in a small village near Situbondo with my wife and children. Family is very important to me, and they are my biggest motivation.
What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I like to relax in the village with my neighbors and friends. We often sit together, eat good food, and enjoy each other’s company.
What do you think of Daan Hout? How do you like working for Daan Hout?
Daan Hout makes beautiful and unique furniture. I really enjoyed meeting Daan when he visited our workshop. It was great to show him my work and talk about the craft.
What is your biggest dream for the future?
I live day by day and feel grateful for everything I have. My biggest hope is that my children and I can continue to enjoy life for a long time, surrounded by family and good fortune.
