The Natural Path: How Indonesian Farmers and Fair Trade Shape Our Massage Oils
- Founders of BUMI
- Aug 5, 2024
- 4 min read
When we started BUMI, our mission was clear: we wanted to forge a path that was not only unique but deeply rooted in the rich heritage of Indonesia. We made a deliberate choice not to source our massage oils from large spa wholesalers. While such sources are conventional and more economical, our commitment was to partner directly with Indonesian farmers, ensuring that our products are 100% natural, free from synthetics, and aligned with fair trade principles.
Let me tell you a little more about me. Growing up in Indonesia, in one of the island off Sumatra, you somehow become one with nature. The rhythm of the waves, the scent of salt in the air, and the warmth of the sun become integral parts of your daily life. Each day, you learn to read the changing tides, identify the calls of various birds - the connection to the land and seas grounds you in deep respect for the environment and its cycles. It also teaches you how to foster the peace and resilience with nature’s ever-changing landscape.
Indonesia, an archipelago of over 17,000 islands, is home to a diverse array of endemic flora and fauna. Unique plants such as cloves, native to the Maluku Islands, and other botanicals like sandalwood and patchouli are integral to our massage oils used in our spa. Coconut oil, a primary ingredient in our massage oils, exemplifies sustainability. By using locally sourced carrier oils, we support Indonesian agriculture and reduce our environmental footprint. This approach also aligns with our commitment to preserving local ecosystems and supporting traditional farming practices.
How BUMI massage oils are made
I want to touch on our traditional farming. For me, to be able to work alongside traditional farmers is truly beautiful to witness as they learn the farming methods from their ancestors living on that land. We listen, we follow their lead in their traditional processing techniques such as cold pressing and steam distillation. These methods preserve the natural integrity of our oils, ensuring that each bottle retains the therapeutic benefits of its ingredients. This careful attention is vital for producing high-quality, natural oils that are free from synthetics.
The farmers meticulously tend to their crops daily because one wrong move can affect the growth and harvesting process, all are crucial phases that can also be influenced by unpredictable weather patterns and climate change. For example, clove (in BUMI’s Bromo oil) and sandalwood (in BUMI’s Ubud oil), essential in some of our oils, require precise harvesting times to ensure the highest quality. We are transparent about these challenges and their impact which in turn affects production, supply and retail capabilities. This is also the main reason why in our first year of business we do not want to promise the retail of our oils (we know many of you have been requesting - we thank you for the love!) as we have not seen the a consistent pattern and sizeable volume of harvest in these past years.
Perhaps this “scarcity” is mother’s nature telling us something?
We can’t rush nature. We can only flow with it. This also reminds me of one concept by the Balinese, called Ngayah (refer to definition below). And as I take a deeper look at Ngayah, I realise it is about aligning with sustainable living principles - harmonious relationship with nature and society, ensuring that there is reciprocity and respect for our environment. This is central to the Ngayah principle as it reinforce the cycle of collective well-being.
"Ngayah”
Ngayah is a traditional Balinese practice that embodies communal values and cooperation. In essence, Ngayah involves villagers coming together to assist each other with tasks such as agriculture, nature restoration, or ceremonial activities, without expecting monetary compensation.
In the context of our massage oils, Ngayah symbolises the sustainability, cooperation, and respect for natural resources that will guide our production process. I want you to know that the journey of our oils isn’t just the shipment from Indonesia to United Arab Emirates, but it starts in the daily care of the crops.
BUMI Oils 100% Natural, Free From Synthetics
And lastly, we know that these oils will come into contact with our skin - the largest organ in our body. This is the biggest reason why do not rely on synthetic additives or preservatives because we know that natural compounds in our oils are absorbed through the skin and enter the bloodstream (you have to be extra careful with the products you use on your skin even if it is for a short relaxing treatment).
This is also another reason we produce our orders in small batches so as to ensure their freshness, potency and extend their shelf life without relying on synthetic additives or preservatives.
During one of my chats with Pak Made, one of the traditional farmers we closely work with, his words perfectly captured BUMI’s mission: "When you care for the earth with love and respect, it gives back in abundance." His insight reinforces the values that drive our work and our dedication to sustainable and fair trade practices.
The finest natural ingredients in our massage oils Indonesian floral ingredients, such as ylang-ylang, ginger, clove and jasmine, are particularly valued - both in price and therapeutic properties.
Ylang-Ylang (an ingredient in BUMI’s Ubud oil) Known for its calming and balancing effects, ylang-ylang is harvested from the yellow, star-shaped flowers of the Cananga tree. The flowers are picked early in the morning and processed using steam distillation to extract the essential oil.
Jasmine (an ingredient in BUMI’s Java oil) Jasmine flowers, with their rich, floral aroma, are hand-harvested at dawn to capture their full fragrance. The flowers are then processed to produce an oil that is renowned for its relaxing and mood-enhancing properties.
Ginger
(an ingredient in BUMI’s Jogja oil)
Grown in tropical regions like West Java and Bali, this usually takes about 8-10 months after planting for it to be harvested. Ginger makes a popular ingredient in massage oils due to its warming nature - a form of natural heat - to help relieve aches and relaxes the tight muscles.
Clove (an ingredient in BUMI’s Bromo oil) Harvested from the flower buds that are picked when they turn pink and dried, cloves are antimicrobial and using clove helps enhance our massage oils thanks to its powerful therapeutic and healing properties.
© BUMI - An ode to Indonesian time-honoured traditions, treatments and therapies.
BUMI means 'earth’ in the Indonesian language. We embrace the therapeutic wonders of nature, where the harmony between human health and environmental wellness goes hand in hand.
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