The Government policy that restricts the export of rattan to other countries has made the furniture industries abroad lacking of rattan raw material. It makes the furniture experts of the world create synthetic rattan made of plastic as a new alternative raw material. Unfortunately, this synthetic rattan comes with more attractive features than natural rattan and it is getting more popular to more people, both outside and inside Indonesia itself.

Synthetic rattan is no doubt, more durable than natural rattan because it is made of PE (Polyethylene). Unlike natural rattan which can not last long in extreme weather and climate, synthetic rattan, is highly resistant to heat and rain exposure, either when placed indoor or outdoor. The long durability infact, makes it able to survive for centuries because it is hard to decay. Synthetic rattan can not be eaten by termites. But indeed, after not being used anymore, synthetic rattan furniture will be junk that is difficult to decompose and piled up, just like many other plastic materials. Synthetic rattan is more durable, but not environmentally friendly. The breakthrough that threatens natural rattan so much is the availability of great colors and gradations selection for synthetic rattan while natural rattan only provides natural colors. Synthetic rattan’s texture is smoother and more flexible than natural rattan’s. At first glance, there is no difference between natural rattan and plastic rattan. These advantages could raise the price of synthetic rattan up above the price of natural rattan. The consumers of synthetic rattan are believed to beat natural rattan’s consumer, which is feared will kill the market for natural rattan.
Perhaps these superiorities should be made a reflection to the furniture craftsmen in Indonesia who are still making natural rattan furniture. Since the begining, our rattan furniture look so ordinary, without any new innovation. Although our natural rattan is considered as classic, and the all-time favorite, we should not be stuck on just one kind of model/design. There should be an improvement in terms of design, technology, and quality with consideration to market demand. If it is not developed, our natural rattan industries will always lose in competition.
As consumers, we must be wise and clever, be able to analize, don’t let just for some excellent features and modern look that is possessed by synthetic rattan, we turn away. We also have to think about the long term impact. Buying and using the synthetic rattan mean supporting the growth of plastic rattan which raw materials imported from Germany, and eliminating natural rattan of Indonesia which has been the source of living for 2.3 millions rattan farmers and collectors. Do not wait until our competitor countries such as Italy, China, Vietnam or other countries become the leading trademark of rattan in the world, while actually 85% of the world’s rattan population exist in Indonesia. Natural rattan of Indonesia must be preserved. As a nation with extraordinary potencies given by God, we should have been proud. Loving rattan means loving Indonesia.