It all started, like many other businesses, over a beer in a local pub in Cirebon. Ilkka and Didin came together and discussed the many prevailing limitations and difficulties in the local rattan industry.

Ilkka was in Cirebon on behalf of a large European rattan furniture importer to source appropriate furniture. He too was unhappy with what was then available.

Didin had returned from the USA where he had recently graduated from USA

The rattan industry in Cirebon was being transformed from a mere exporter of raw rattan to a centre producing finished rattan furniture. None of the factories at that time had qualified personnel to produce furniture, let alone satisfy market demands. Furthermore, there were no designers with a good eye for the potential of rattan.

While discussing the problems of the industry, they realised that they had the synergy to make things better. Thus Balagi Rattan was established. Didin brought in a modern management style from the US and applied it in the factory. Balagi's designs were so good that the factory's capacity rapidly expanded.

Within a short time, due to the connections of Ilkka and Didin they had started to export, mainly to Japan and Europe. They also started to explore new markets around the world.

Over the years Balagi Rattan has participated in many Industry fairs as:
- Singapore International furniture Fair 1999: Were awarded a prize.
- Singapore International furniture Fair 2000 : Best Exhibit Award 2000.
- Brazil International furniture Fair 2000: Were awarded a prize.
- Furnicraft Indonesia 2002: Were awarded a prize for Best Product and 2nd prize for Booth    Layout.

Balagi Rattan continues to expand while other manufacturers are experiencing a downturn in their fortunes. We are continually modernising our facilities and look with great confidence to the future.