Why Living in Indonesia Changes Everything

When I relocated from Paris to Jakarta with my family in the summer of 2022, I saw a unique opportunity to immerse myself in the world of rattan. With a background in scenography and interior architecture, and years of experience designing spaces across Europe and the Mediterranean, I was immediately drawn to the material’s versatility, rich heritage, and extraordinary creative potential. In Europe, rattan has long moved in and out of fashion. In Indonesia, I discovered something far more profound: a material deeply rooted in everyday life, shaped by generations of knowledge and craftsmanship. Yet while Indonesian rattan is celebrated in international design showrooms, the remarkable skills and traditions behind it often remain overlooked. I wanted to understand the craft at its source, rather than simply select finished pieces from an export catalogue.

Over the following years, I travelled extensively across Java, visiting dozens of workshops and harvesting cooperatives, meeting weaving families, and working directly with local suppliers. I learned to understand rattan from the raw vine to the finished piece, carefully examining the quality of individual poles, studying traditional weaving techniques, and discovering how the material responds to different treatments and construction methods. Together with my Indonesian partner, Tian Binsar Purba, we translated this knowledge into Milou’s own production standards. From carefully calibrated rattan thicknesses and steam-bent curves to meticulous hand-sanding and the selection of water-based finishes, every detail was considered with children in mind.

My commitment has always extended beyond the furniture itself. I spent countless hours alongside the skilled men and women who bring our designs to life, personally ensuring that their working environments were safe, comfortable, and respectful, that they received fair wages, and that training and support were provided whenever needed.

Through these relationships, I came to appreciate the vital role of weaving villages and the communities whose livelihoods depend on this remarkable craft. Rattan weaving is more than a profession; it is a living cultural heritage, with skills and knowledge passed down through generations. Supporting these communities, respecting their traditions, and helping ensure that their craftsmanship continues to thrive became an essential part of Milou’s philosophy. The knowledge I gained and, above all, the remarkable people I met throughout this journey inspired me to write Woven Worlds, a children’s book celebrating the beauty of rattan, the hands that shape it, and the cultural heritage woven into every piece. The story grew from a simple question: How do we pass down stories, culture, and a genuine appreciation for craftsmanship to our children? Through Woven Worlds, I wanted to spark curiosity in little minds about the objects that surround them every day. When children look at the rattan furniture in their rooms, I hope they begin to wonder: Where did it come from? How was it made? Whose hands brought it to life? Because behind every handmade object lies a story worth telling, a tradition worth preserving, and a connection between people and cultures worth celebrating.