R

amadan is a month full of blessing for Muslim wares traders in Yogyakarta, especially for those producing peci and rehal (Muslim hat and a reading stand used for the Koran), when demand increases and profit multiplies.

"As long as there are Muslims, we will always make a living," said Turadi, a knitted peci maker from Bedugan village, Bantul regency.

Turadi's knitted peci business, which comes under the Al Husni brand, is produced together with dozens of other craftspeople in his village. "I can celebrate Idul Fitri *thanks to this business*," said Mukisah, who works for Turadi.

Mukisah, who makes peci, said she could make peci while also looking after her children. "The raw materials, such as nylon thread, are supplied by Turadi and we just have to make them," said Mukisah.

Mukisah said she could make between five and 15 knitted peci daily and earned Rp 2,000 (20 US cents) for each hat.

The 30 people making peci in Beduga, manage to produce between 1,500 and 2,000 peci per month, but during Ramadan, the demand increases by up to 60 percent.

The growing demand for peci is attributed to the increase of Islamic religious activities during the holy month, when Muslims throng to mosques and wear peci to celebrate Idul Fitri.

However, in general, peci production in the village has dropped over recent years, especially after the massive earthquake in May 2006. Before the quake, the village was home to 300 peci craftspeople, who were employed by more than 10 product brands. Generally, the demand for peci is 10,000 pieces per annum and rises by 500 percent during Ramadan.

The Al Husni brand produces a range of peci designs, including the Turkey, Taliban, Aceh and batik styles, with prices ranging from Rp 10,000 to Rp 35,000 per item.

"But don't be surprised to find the same products selling for between Rp 96,000 and Rp 140,000 at shopping malls in Jakarta," said Turadi.

Besides peci, Muhadi, the owner of the Sari Mekar wooden batik workshop, is also overwhelmed with orders from this year's Ramadan, especially for rehal.

"Demand has risen by more than 40 percent since the start of Ramadan," said Muhadi.