Sukaregang Leather Craft Center

History and Evolution of the Sukaregang Leather Industry

The historical roots of Sukaregang as a leather center began long before Indonesia's independence. The tradition of tanning leather in this area started traditionally in the 1920s. Initially, local craftsmen only processed animal hides such as cow, buffalo, and sheep for limited functional needs. However, as time went by, this hereditary skill transformed into a massive home industry.

In the 1970s, the Local Government began to realize Sukaregang's great potential as an economic driver. Through technical training and modernization of tanning equipment, the quality of the materials produced increased dramatically. Today, Sukaregang is no longer just a production site, but a modern retail ecosystem where contemporary design meets precise handicraft techniques. This transformation has made Sukaregang one of the leading shopping tourism destinations in West Java.

Architecture and Layout of the Area

Visually, Pusat Kerajinan Kulit Sukaregang offers a unique panorama. Instead of a single enclosed mall building, this shopping center is a long corridor filled with shophouses (ruko) of diverse architecture. At the entrance, visitors are greeted by a gate or archway marking the entry into the leather center area.

The layout of the area is designed organically. Along the main road, dozens of large stores (showrooms) with modern glass facades display premium collections. Meanwhile, in the small alleys leading into residential areas, visitors can find production workshops where craftsmen manually stitch leather sheets. This structure allows tourists to directly observe the manufacturing process, from pattern cutting to the final stage of accessory attachment.

Featured Products: From Bomber Jackets to Elegant Accessories

Sukaregang's main strength lies in the diversity and quality of its products. The most iconic product is, of course, the Garut sheepskin leather jacket. Local sheepskin is known for its very soft texture (lambskin), lightness, yet exceptional durability. Unlike imported leather jackets that are often stiff, Sukaregang jackets have a "breathable" characteristic that is comfortable to wear in tropical climates.

Besides jackets, visitors can find a variety of other products:

• Bags and Wallets: Ranging from formal work bags, stylish women's handbags, to sturdy leather backpacks.
• Footwear: Formal leather shoes, boots, to casual sandals with neat stitching.
• Small Accessories: Belts, motorcycle gloves, keychains, to electronic device cases.
• Innovative Products: In recent years, Sukaregang craftsmen have begun producing leather prayer mats and custom automotive interiors.

The colors offered are no longer limited to black and dark brown. Leather dyeing technology in Sukaregang can now produce bold colors like maroon, emerald green, to pastel colors favored by the millennial market.

Renowned Local Stores and Brands

Along the Sukaregang route, there are several big names that have become primary references for tourists. Brands like Astiga Leather, Garvis, and Silvi Leather are examples of family businesses that have grown into professional brands. Each store usually has its own characteristics; some focus on classic military styles, while others lean more towards high-fashion with slim-fit cuts that follow global trends.

The uniqueness of shopping here is the "Custom Made" service. Visitors are not limited to the stock available on the shelves. Tourists can directly choose the type of leather, color, and zippers, and then have their measurements taken precisely. These orders can usually be completed within 1 to 3 days and shipped directly to the buyer's address, a personalization service rarely found in modern shopping centers.

Economic Role and Social Impact on the Community

Sukaregang is the economic backbone for thousands of Garut residents. This industry involves a long value chain, from animal breeders, raw hide collectors, tanning laborers, designers, tailors, to marketing personnel. The existence of this shopping center has reduced unemployment in the surrounding areas and created a new middle class from creative entrepreneurs.

Furthermore, Sukaregang serves as an educational center. Many students and researchers come to study the environmentally friendly leather tanning techniques that are beginning to be adopted by several large factories there. The spirit of entrepreneurship in Sukaregang is also passed down through generations, ensuring that this cultural heritage is not lost to time.

Visitor Experience and Facilities

Shopping at Sukaregang offers a tactile sensation that cannot be obtained from online shopping. Visitors can touch the smoothness of the leather, smell the authentic aroma of animal materials, and feel the warmth of Sundanese hospitality from the shopkeepers. The area is also equipped with various supporting facilities for tourist convenience:

1. Parking Area: Despite being on a busy main road, many large showrooms provide adequate parking spaces for tour buses and private vehicles.

2. Local Culinary: In between hunting for leather products, visitors can enjoy Garut's signature culinary delights like Dodol Garut, Garut oranges, or savor the "bakso aci" widely sold around the area.

3. Accommodation: Due to its strategic location near the city center, there are many hotel and lodging options for tourists who want to spend more time hunting for leather collections.

4. Places of Worship: Mosques and prayer rooms are readily available along the road, making it easy for Muslim visitors to perform their prayers amidst their shopping activities.

Preserved Traditions and Authenticity

One of the unique traditions that still survives is the bargaining system in non-branded stores. Although many showrooms have adopted fixed prices, in smaller shops, the bargaining interaction becomes part of the art of shopping that strengthens the relationship between buyer and seller.

Product authenticity is a top priority in Sukaregang. The traders here highly value their reputation; they will honestly explain the difference between genuine leather, synthetic leather, or split leather. This honesty is what keeps customers from outside the city loyal to Sukaregang for decades.

Conclusion

Pusat Kerajinan Kulit Sukaregang is a symbol of the resilience and creativity of the Garut community. It successfully combines ancient tanning traditions with modern fashion demands. For anyone looking for leather products with quality comparable to European luxury brands but at a much more competitive price, Sukaregang is the answer. More than just a transaction, a visit to Sukaregang is an appreciation of the dedication of local craftsmen who continue to stitch hope onto high-quality leather sheets.