Indonesian teak comes mostly from Java, where the tree has been grown for centuries. Teak (Tectona grandis) is not native to the island. It is generally thought to have been brought from India around the 14th century, and Java's long dry season suited it well.
Java's state teak forests
Today Java holds roughly 1.2 million hectares of teak plantations. Most of the state forest on Java and Madura is managed by Perhutani, the state forestry company, which plants teak, tends it for decades and fells it in planned cycles. Studies of Javanese stands put the best rotation for conventional teak at around 30 to 40 years.
The main teak regions
- Blora, Central Java. The regency with the largest teak forest in the province. Cepu, a district of Blora, has a long reputation for high-quality teak.
- Bojonegoro, Ngawi and Madiun, East Java. The forests across the provincial border continue the same teak belt.
- Muna, Southeast Sulawesi. Outside Java, teak from the island of Muna is known for its quality. Genetic studies show that teak in Southeast Sulawesi forms a separate line from the trees on Java.
From forest to workshop
Jepara, on the north coast of Central Java, is not a forest region. It is a furniture town, where family workshops turn teak into tables, chairs and cabinets.
Our pieces are made in those workshops, mostly in solid teak. See them in the catalogue.