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Budi Virgono

"Yogyakarta is known as a student city because almost 30% of the people here are students from all over Indonesia. This city has more than 100 higher education institutions including Gadjah Mada University, considered the oldest university in Indonesia. I feel fortunate to have been born and raised in this city, known for preserving our traditions, and for being creative in exploring and developing them into modern art works and handcrafts.

"I have been making a living since I was in college. I learned and assisted my teacher in the university to make the prototype of a building as my last assignment, in our architecture faculty in Gadjah Mada University. While others graduated in four or five years, I did it in eight because I was doing two things at the same time, studying and working. This situation gave me valuable lesson in life, and made me a wiser person.

"After graduating, I was interested in furniture and interior design. I made a kitchen set for neighbors and some interiors for stores and offices. After looking at industrial waste everywhere and learning how it could harm the environment, I took it as a challenge to create something new and valuable. So I started to create various types of handicrafts from recycled materials such boxes, handbags, cushion covers and more."