FIJI’S bamboo sector is being positioned for greater commercial development through a three-day furniture workshop at the Fiji Museum in Suva.
Hosted by the Embassy of Indonesia in Suva in partnership with the Fiji Museum and Fiji-Indonesia Friendship Association, the workshop brings participants together to learn traditional and modern bamboo craft techniques, including furniture-making.
Indonesian Ambassador to Fiji Dupito Darma Simamora said the workshop builds on the two countries’ cooperation, including the Namosi Bamboo Project.
“This is another opportunity for us to learn more and to develop this as a long-term kind of partnership,” he said.
He said two participants from Namosi would travel to Indonesia next month for two weeks of training alongside about 40 participants from Fiji and other Pacific Island countries.
Fiji Museum Co-Lead Ratu Jone Balenaivalu said the workshop reflected growing efforts to develop bamboo as a sustainable industry in Fiji.
“This push to develop Fiji’s bamboo sector is gaining real momentum.”
He said the initiative was about more than craftsmanship, with participants gaining knowledge that could support future economic opportunities.
“Ultimately, this workshop is not only about craftsmanship; it is about knowledge transfer, technical innovation and community empowerment,” Balenaivalu said.
Fiji-Indonesia Friendship Association President and former Fiji ambassador to Indonesia, Ratu Tui Cavulati, said bamboo craft had strong potential in Fiji given the availability of the resource and opportunities for rural communities.
“Bamboo craft is one of those many initiatives which I believe is very relevant for us in Fiji,” he said.
He said the initiative could help communities develop their skills and establish viable small ventures in rural areas.
The Indonesian Embassy also announced that an Indonesian Navy hospital ship will visit Suva from October 9 to 13, with an open-ship programme on October 9 and 10, followed by health services for about 500 Fijians over October 11 and 12.
