From a Single Root, a Forest of Opportunity.

Akar Wangi - Vetiver Roots

Technology & Innovation

Partnering with Local Communities

Vetiver Gallery Indonesia was born from these questions. We set out to be the pioneer, the first to envision a truly holistic enterprise centred around vetiver in Garut. We weren't just creating products; we were designing a system. A system where the farmer who tills the soil, the woman who weaves the root, and the artisan who adds the final touch are all valued partners in a shared vision.

We asked ourselves: What if we could build a bridge? A bridge between this ancient natural resource and modern, beautiful products? A bridge between the raw potential of our land and the economic needs of our people? A bridge that honours tradition whilst pioneering new possibilities?

Our journey didn't begin in a boardroom; it began in the rich, volcanic soil of Garut. It began with an understanding of Akar Wangi, the humble vetiver root, cherished for generations for its grounding aroma but holding so much untapped potential. We saw more than just a plant; we saw a pathway.

Seed

It hasn't always been easy. Building from the ground up requires patience, resilience, and an unwavering belief in our community. We faced challenges, learned lessons, and adapted. But through it all, the spirit of Garut... its warmth, its creativity, its enduring strength – has been our guiding light.

Today, we stand proud of what we have started, but our hearts are set on the horizon. Our story is still being written, and it’s a story we invite you to be a part of.

Joanna, Co-Founder & Craft Innovator

I have cherished Akar Wangi since I first encountered it back in 1999. Whilst many saw it merely as an ingredient for perfume, I perceived a deeper potential: a cultural heritage that could be transformed into works of art, and the hands of women capable of conjuring beauty from the earth itself.

For more than two decades, I have learnt from the women in the villages: about patience, about meticulousness, and about the spirit required to uphold tradition. I believe the craft of Akar Wangi isn't just about aesthetics; it’s about nurturing identity. Through this venture, we aim to revive this heritage and share the fragrance of Garut with the world – doing so with pride, and with a commitment to social justice.

As a single mother, I understand intimately the importance of having a space for independence... not only financially, but mentally and socially too. Women often form the bedrock of the family, yet frequently lack the support they need. I believe that the root of women's strength lies within their community. When they support one another, learn together, and grow together.

This enterprise wasn't born simply to sell Akar Wangi crafts. It was born from hope: the hope that the women in Garut's villages can stand as equals; that their hands, whilst weaving these roots, can also weave their own futures. We aspire to create a space where women can be farmers, artisans, leaders, and change-makers. We want every product to carry a story – a story of motherhood, of perseverance, and of transformation.

joanna@vetivergalleryindonesia.com

ana@vetivergalleryindonesia.com

Ana, Co-Founder & Social Advocate