Singgih Kartono

Singgih Kartono

Singgih Kartono graduated from Indonesia's Bandung Institute of Technology in 1992 with a degree in Product Design. Rather than remaining in the city and working for a design house, he returned to his village of Kandangan in Central Java to help to improve its economy and ecosystem. He established his company - Piranti Works - and taught workers carpentry skills following New Craft principals. He set up a tree nursery, where trees are planted to replace those used in production. He also distributes young trees free to villagers so they can re-plant on their own land. Singgih's use of materials and his production methods are helping to tackle the socio-economic and ecological problems of his village. His urge to give back to Kandangan has become the source of his endless energy and passion. Singgih is the recipient of Japan's prestigious Good Design award.