JNA September/October 2025 | 37 HUB 生产基地 a big portion of local production – the country is also home to leading gold jewellery exporters. PT Untung Bersama Sejahtera, better known as UBS, is among the biggest and most progressive gold chain producers in the region. Established in 1981 by founder Untung Yahya with a team of five people, it is now a massive jewellery powerhouse with a global presence and interests. The company employs over 3,000 workers in its state-ofthe-art manufacturing facility and produced 20 tonnes of gold jewellery in 2024. Starting with casting before developing an expertise in gold chains, Yahya grew his business into a one-stop shop for the trade’s sourcing needs in jewellery capital Surabaya. A firm believer in quality and innovation, he visited Italy annually from 1985 to learn the latest technological advances in jewellery manufacturing. In 2010, UBS acquired three Italian companies, applied their technology to its Indonesian operations and enhanced its production of gold chains. Italian solid machine-made chain specialist Tecnigold Group also joined the UBS family in 2016, expanding its portfolio even further. UBS’ singular focus on innovation pays off time and again. In this age of skyrocketing gold prices, the company has mastered the production of Italian-quality designs at reduced weights. Pride of place belongs to its hollow chains that are half the weight of their counterparts. Yahya said, “This was an extremely challenging project, but the line was very well received in the market. Due to our technical strengths and R&D, we managed to develop our special lightweight hollow chains within just two years – this is something that would usually take others some five years to accomplish.” Its access to Indonesia’s large labour force and cuttingedge Italian technology through its acquisitions enable UBS to continually innovate and meet varied market preferences, the company official added. UBS went into exports in 1995 and now has clients worldwide. “Each country has its own requirements,” Yahya said. “The US market prefers 10-karat and 14-karat gold, while the UK orders items in 9-karat gold. Meanwhile, customers in Dubai favour chains in 18-karat, 21-karat and 22-karat gold.” UBS' founder maintains a positive outlook on business prospects, noting demand for gold jewellery remains robust despite high gold prices. The company has also entered the local retail scene with its UBSLifestyle stores, offering a wide selection of gold jewellery. Yahya said, “Having our own distribution channel helps immensely. We opened our first shop two years ago and now have 15 doors. The plan is to continually expand our retail network.” Diverse strategies PT Hartono Wira Tanik, for its part, services the US and Middle East markets. Based in Surabaya, the company started with the production of gold chains and has since expanded into offering the full range of Italian-style gold jewellery, from solid and hollow chains to bangles, earrings, rings and pendants. According to its export marketer Yunita Hendryanto Nugraha, most of its clients prefer plain gold jewellery with different variations in purities, though the company has fulfilled orders for gold pieces with cubic zirconia. Customers from the Middle East seek 18-karat, 21-karat and 22-karat gold jewellery, while US clients prefer items in 10-karat or 14-karat gold. Australian buyers who serve the Middle East opt for 18-karat and 21-karat gold, while those catering to their local market purchase pieces in 9-karat gold. “Our production capacity can reach a few hundred kilos, depending on the season, since we also supply local wholesalers,” Nugraha said. “While we have our own product range, we can adjust these to meet client specifications.” PT Untung Bersama Sejahtera President Eddy Yahya and Founder Untung Yahya PT Untung Bersama Sejahtera主席Eddy Yahya 和创始人Untung Yahya PT Untung Bersama Sejahtera
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