TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
Cover Story: Homegrown goodness-Processing the island’s botanicals into fine natural products that respect the local community
Back in 1999, Michael R
Change Size
Back in 1999, Michael R. Lorenti Jr. saw the potential in creating a line of natural skin care products in Bali, after living on the island for a few years.
From humble beginnings in the coastal village of Jasri, Karangasem, at the turn of the millennium, Sensatia Botanicals started out as a profit-sharing cooperative and introduced its line of signature all-natural, square-cut soap bars.
Inspired by the lush beauty of Bali, it has quickly developed a loyal following and successfully expanded its line beyond soaps, with an extensive selection of skincare and lifestyle products that are all natural and safe.
“In 2000 we started with just two employees and me. After just four months, we were honored to employ six more Balinese people. After just 18 months, we were ecstatic to involve and empower 23 Balinese people in the development and production of Sensatia products,” said Lorenti.
A plethora of other parties are continually supported by Sensatia Botanicals. From coconut harvesters, loofah-sponge growers, seaweed and sea salt harvesters, herbal lulur makers, to fruit and vegetable farmers, there are probably 100 or more people directly associated and making a healthy living working with Sensatia Botanicals.
Now 16 years strong, this line of natural, locally produced, handmade, skin care products has grown into an internationally recognized Bali-based brand.
Staying true, honest and focused on what is most important to the company has rewarded it with exciting and considerable growth over the last few years.
“From the very beginning, we have been dedicated to producing 100 percent natural products; incorporating a very holistic, organic approach, with a strong love and connection with the land, ‘old Bali’ style,” Lorenti said.
The product development goal has been to always use fresh, 100 percent natural, basic ingredients that people know and understand. With this in mind, customers find all of the raw ingredients to be fresh, wholesome, gentle and good for them.
“Our product goal is to be able to produce the finest, most natural products on the market that really work. In other words, less fluff, more sustenance, while still being able to provide a price point that makes sense to our customers. This has brought about the evolution of Sensatia retail shops, which allow us to go from manufacturer’s cost directly to retail.”
The company’s strict adherence to quality and accountability has qualified it for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certification through the Indonesian Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM). This makes Sensatia Botanicals the first and only GMP-certified cosmetic company in Bali.
Now, the company is 60 dedicated people strong, producing international quality products in a GMP-certified production facility, complete with a QC department, a certified calibrated microbiology and chemical lab and a pharmacist that oversees the production and safety assessment of every single batch before it leaves Sensatia’s production facility.
The products are currently trademarked in more than 40 countries, with more than 200 BPOM product registrations and a long list of five-star clientele leading the pack in bringing homegrown goodness to a highly competitive professional level.
The wide range of products includes body soaps and washes, massage oils, face and lip care, and botanical bath salts for head-to-toe pampering.
Despite its international expansion, Sensatia Botanicals retains its simple principles of taking care of the Earth and taking care of people through high quality, natural ingredients and giving back to the local community.
What makes the brand stand out among others is its philosophy of dealing with people.
Sensatia Botanicals was originally created to help sustain a micro-economy in the less-traveled east end of Bali.
“We have successfully accomplished our mission for the 40 families of Sensatia’s employees. We have also succeeded in developing and supporting a local economic structure in a paradise that is in need of aid,” Lorenti said.
“Having started out as a profit-sharing cooperative, we are proud to continue in this manner, promoting equality among workers and administrators. We believe in growing together as a community, thus, we are very proud that Sensatia Botanicals employees are 20 percent shareholders of the principal production company, PT Sensatia Botanicals.”
“In the future, our expansion plans are very exciting. But rest assured, we will always maintain our small family charm, remembering one world, one people and to always tread lightly. Our products are special, our people are special and our purpose is greater than just profit, rather supporting a healthy lifestyle through a fine balance of work, play and friends for life.”
There are currently five locations on the island where you can step into the fragrant showcases, namely the flagship store at the production facility in its hometown of Jasri, Karangasem, another in Ubud on Monkey Forest road, the biggest at Seminyak Village, one at Bali Collection Nusa Dua and one at Lippo Mall Kuta. A sixth store will open on June 7 at Popular Deli Canggu.
