Ulos Factory Visit

We visited an ulos factory and talked with some of the workers about what they do.

We heard that the making of the ulos has a long history in the Batak culture. The government has been encouraging people to learn this craft in order to preserve this part of their culture.

The women start working here at about age 16 and it takes 3-4 months to learn their craft. A well-skilled worker can make an ulos, measuring 2 meters in length, in about 2 hours.

In this factory there are about 50 workers. They work long days and their pay is based on the number of ulos they produce. A wageof about 600,000 Rupiah per month (about $65) is considered a good wage.