Manakarra stone is one of the creative industry handicrafts made by residents in Mamuju Regency, West Sulawesi (Sulbar). Crystal stones that have penetrated the export market of China to the United States.
This Manakarra stone is also known as Grape Agate because it looks like a bunch of grapes. In addition to its distinctive shape, the variety of colors ranging from white, gray, green to purple is also an attraction.
One of the Manakarra Stone craftsmen in Mamuju, Abdul Rasyid said Manakarra Stone is a genuine crystal stone from Mamuju which he started exporting in 2015. The stone is said to bring a lot of luck.
“The original aid from Mamuju was exported, the only one in Sulawesi. I myself started exporting in 2015 and when it went viral it was ring stones. The value at that time was still expensive,” said Rasyid when met Saturday (17/9/2022).
Rasyid mentions giving the name Manakarra to the crystal stone as the identity of the location of the discovery of the stone. Mamuju Regency itself has the nickname Manakarra which means the Powerful Heritage.
“Because it was discovered in Mamuju, that’s probably the reason it was named Batu Manakarra, so that people would know that it was originally a stone from Mamuju,” he explained.
According to Rasyid, the Manakarra Stone was obtained from the miners. Then the stone is processed into several shapes such as mini balls and pyramids. Including stone rings and pendants can be made.
“To see the quality Manakarra Stone, you need special accuracy. Especially if you want to make it into a stone ring or pendant,” he explained.
Rasyid said that the Manakarra Stone had been exported to several countries. These include China, France and the United States. However, Rasyid admitted that currently sending overseas is still being assisted by his friend in Sukabumi. This is because there is a permit that must be fulfilled so that before being exported, it must be sent to Sukabumi.
“We are currently taking care of the permit. So now we are going through a friend in Sukabumi because he has a complete permit. We will transit it (the Manakarra Stone) to Sukabumi first and then send it to China, America and France,” he explained.
He admitted that the monthly export profit reached Rp 40 million. One shipment weighs about 500 kilograms. For the processing of Manakarra Stone, Rasyid admitted to employing three local residents.
“In addition to its unique shape, it is said that it can make you relax whether there is a positive aura that is emitted, so many outsiders are looking for it, whether it’s true or not,” he said.
