Roughly translated as 'teak city', the French-Indonesian PT Kota Jati Furindo company works with FSC-accredited teak and oak, as well as mahogany and mindi, creating refreshingly clean and natural designs. Typically of several of the leaders at Jakarta's International Furniture & Craft Fair Indonesia (IFFINA) exhibition, Kota Jati's product has a contemporary French feel, and also features the latest in innovative finishing techniques.
The stand is eye-catching, proclaiming its FSC credentials proudly, and incorporating both in- and outdoor sections. It's also varied, and not dominated by one look in particular. Clearly, the company is trying to show the breadth of its manufacturing capabilities.
One hall table is notable for its laminated surface - a grid of finger-jointed off-cuts. "The volume of business is growing on this collection," says marketing manager Antonius Suhandoyo proudly. "It's another way of showing the customer that we are very capable of working with solid wood."
Other products include a chest with laminated panels from external parties - ideal for commercial projects - a dining range with light, 'floating'-look tops, and a drawing desk and stool with adjustable height mechanisms. There are even soft-close fittings on some models, which, while somewhat incongruous with the natural look, are pleasant features nonetheless.
"It's another way of showing the customer that we are very capable of working with solid wood"
It is Kota Jati's second appearance at IFFINA, and Antonius is busy dealing with customers from the show's outset. For buyers seeking warm, clean natural ranges that bring the outdoors in, Kota Jati could well be a resourceful - and reliable, given its certification promises - Indonesian partner.
