The Art and Dedication Behind Balinese Surfboards: The Story of Budi Hantoro and Studio Godong Jati

Bali is not only known for its challenging waves but also as a home to world-class local surfboard craftsmen. One figure who has dedicated over a decade of his life to this industry is Budi Hantoro, owner of Studio Godong Jati. Through an in-depth interview, he shares his journey, techniques, and the challenges of building a home-based surfboard industry that has successfully penetrated the international market.

A Journey of Passion: From the Kitchen to the Surfboard Studiod

Budi Hantoro started his independent business in 2017. Despite having culinary skills, he felt his fortune did not lie in the kitchen. After trying various opportunities, he decided to return to his primary expertise: making surfboards.

Starting from three rooms behind his house, Budi built his business from scratch. The name "Godong Jati" was inspired by the environment surrounding his studio, which is encircled by teak trees. Thanks to his perseverance and ability to build relationships, he managed to attract international customers in a short period.

Two Board Characters: Hantoro Surfboard and BSB

In his production, Budi offers two main brands with distinct characters:

• Hantoro Surfboard: Carries a classic/retro concept using PU foam. It is perfectly suited for relaxed riding styles like cruising or nose riding.

• Bali Surfboard (BSB): Focuses on performance, predominantly using epoxy material. These boards are designed for surfers who prioritize agility and speed.

A Detailed and Consistent Production Process

Studio Godong Jati is capable of producing an average of 100 boards per month. Budi explains that making a single surfboard is a long process involving many meticulous stages:

• Foam Selection: Must be adjusted to the request (rocker, width, and thickness).

• Shaping: The shaping process takes 1-2 hours.

• Finishing & Glassing: Includes fin installation, color spraying, to the final stage that determines the board's surface quality.

Budi emphasizes the importance of direct communication with customers. He often provides technical advice based on the customer's posture and body weight—a personalized service rarely found in big surf shops.

The Key to Quality: Collaboration with Local Materials

One of the secrets behind the strength and elasticity of his boards is the use of quality materials. Budi entrusts his board production to resin products from C'ketz, specifically the Epoxy SQ series. According to him, this resin provides the perfect balance between hardness and flexibility at a price that remains competitive in both local and international markets.

"Word of Mouth" Marketing

Although active on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, Budi admits that his main marketing strength is word-of-mouth recommendations. Customers from Korea, Australia, Japan, and the United States often contact him after hearing about the quality of his work from fellow surfer friends.

Hopes for Bali Tourism

As a business owner heavily dependent on the tourism sector, Budi hopes that the surfing industry in Bali remains stable and free from negative issues. For him, maintaining a positive image of Bali's tourism is key for local craftsmen to continue creating and competing on the global stage.