Elderly Charcoal Maker Defies Modernization, Keeps Traditional Craft Alive

JatimVoice.com – In an era dominated by rapid modernization and technological advancements, 80-year-old Hos Nyaruki remains a steadfast guardian of a traditional craft in Curahlaos Hamlet, Lampeji Village, Mumbulsari Subdistrict, Jember Regency, East Java. For decades, Hos, affectionately known as Pak Hos, has dedicated his life to producing charcoal, a trade inherited from his parents and one he has practiced since his youth.

Source: suarajatimpost

Despite the changing times, Pak Hos’s commitment to his craft burns as brightly as the charcoal he produces, which is highly sought after by local satay vendors and other customers. Operating from his modest, tree-shaded home, he meticulously selects wood, burns it, and sifts the ashes, stacking the finished charcoal neatly in large sacks for sale. “I make charcoal every day. If there are no orders, I go out to sell it,” Pak Hos said with quiet determination on Saturday, June 14, 2025.

His perseverance has earned him a loyal customer base, ranging from small-scale satay vendors to warehouse owners. Production varies—on slow days, he produces about five sacks, but during peak demand, output can double. To meet customer needs, Pak Hos sometimes sources additional charcoal from neighbors, ensuring no order goes unfulfilled. “If there are many orders, I buy from people around here and sell to my customers. The important thing is they’re satisfied,” he explained.

Priced between Rp50,000 and Rp70,000 per sack, depending on the wood type, his charcoal remains affordable. Pak Hos sources raw logs from local suppliers, transforming them into high-quality charcoal. His distribution system remains traditional—he delivers orders across Mumbulsari, Jenggawah, Ajung, Ambulu, and nearby areas using a motorcycle, a significant upgrade from the pedal bike he used in earlier years. “Back then, I cycled far to Jenggawah. Now, with a motorbike, it’s much easier,” he recalled with a smile.

While embracing small changes, like using a phone to take orders, Pak Hos has also passed down his skills to his daughter, Sumiati, her husband, and his grandson, ensuring the family business endures. Their collective effort keeps this generational trade alive.

Pak Hos’s story is a testament to resilience and adaptability. Amid the smoke of burning wood and stacks of charcoal, his unwavering spirit shines, proving that tradition can coexist with progress. As long as the embers glow, Pak Hos vows to keep his craft—and his legacy—alive.

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