Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara (Antara Bali) - Pearl, gold and silver artisans in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) complained about growing imports of synthetic pearl from China.
Import of synthetic pearl in the form of accessories could disrupt the stability of pearl market in the country, chairman of the local Communications Forum of Pearl, Gold and Silver artisans H. Fauzi said here on Monday.
Fauzi said synthetic pearl is imported into the country via Jakarta and Surabaya and from the two cities the product is distributed to the region including Lombok, in West Nusa Tenggara.
The imports would certainly pose a threat to the market of local products of pearl as many consumers could not see the difference between synthetic pearl and original one, he said.
The local pearl artisans are facing marketing problem as the synthetic products are sold in lower prices.
"It would be dangerous if the condition is allowed to go on without protection for the local craftsmen," Fauzi said.
Pearl craftsmen said synthetic pearl entered the market when they face a decline in supply of pearl from local breeders of oyster. Pearl grows inside the shells of oysters.
The number of oyster breeders in Lombok and Sumbawa has been reduced to a little more than 10 people resulting in a sharp decline in pearl production in the region, Fauzi said.
"Pearl has been an icon for West Nusa Tengara as it is already known nationally and internationally . Therefore, the quality and the production capacity have to be maintained," he said.
He said a number of countries like Japan, Korea, China and India still rely on supply of pearl from West Nusa Tenggara.
He said the market prospects of pearl is still encouraging despite the economic slowdown .
Indonesian pearl has been well known in international market, and sales are relatively still stable, he said. (WDY)
NTB Craftsmen Complain About Imports Of Synthetic Pearl
Senin, 1 Juni 2015 10:38 WIB