Kemala's Wood Artisans in Central Java
 

The Kemala Story

Nestled in the bustling heart of Jakarta, Kemala emerges as a quiet celebration of Indonesian heritage, reinterpreted through a modern lens. This woman-owned brand has cultivated a space where craftsmanship meets mindful production, creating pieces that are not only functional, but thoughtfully brought to life by the hands of skilled artisans across Indonesia.

The name Kemala, meaning 'a shining and beautiful stone' in Bahasa Indonesia, is a homage to the founder's late grandmother, Batin Kemala, whose entrepreneurial spirit and resilience profoundly shape the brand's core values. Since its establishment in 2014, Kemala has grown organically, forming deep ties with ceramic and woodwork communities throughout Java and Bali, involving over a hundred artisans in the process.

Kemala's offerings are defined by a profound appreciation for the raw, the untouched, and the naturally enduring. The initial collections were simple—fabric-based products and woodenwares from solid teak. However, as the brand evolved, so did its palette of materials, embracing clay for ceramics, water hyacinth for woven baskets, and even offcuts from larger productions. These elements, often overlooked, are repurposed with purpose, showcasing Kemala’s ethos of finding beauty in the discarded and value in the sustainable.

The journey of Kemala is more than just about expanding a collection—it's about cultivating relationships and fostering a community that values the slow and steady. Each piece from Kemala doesn’t merely occupy space in a home; it brings with it a narrative of mindful creation and a testament to the elegance of simplicity.

As Kemala continues to evolve, it remains a sanctuary for those who treasure the tranquil beauty of slow living and the simple joy of mindful luxury.