Mitra Bali Foundation: Bali

I subscribe to several monthly magazines and one of them is New Internationalist. Along with the magazine when it’s delivered is always a copy of the Fair Trade Catalogue. This is about products made by local artists from around the world.

I noticed in one section of the catalogue some handicrafts for sale that are produced in Bali through the Mitra Bali Foundation. As the catalogue states, in Bali many small craft producers are missing out to large, well-established, commission-paying businesses. Without direct access to the Bali transport network, it is difficult for small producers with little working capital to access the tourist markets.

Yet, the contribution these artisans to the development of the island is substantial, and their output represents the visible face of Balinese culture, which, ironically, helps to draw tourists and buyers alike to the island.

To counter this marginalisation of these producers, Mitra Bali works with around 100 small producer groups across the island, marketing their products both locally and internationally to Fair Trade and commercial buyers. Mitra Bali pays a 50% advance on all orders, and introduces buyers to the producers so they can, if they prefer, work directly together.

In addition, Mitra Bali has set up an open access, free Design Centre for producers that provide a library, design consultants and workshops on new trends, technical production, health and safety, and environmentally sustainable production.

What is Fair Trade?. Fair Trade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect, that seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers.