A genuine Bandung backpack features a sleek and simple design, crafted from high-quality leather in neutral tones like deep brown, light brown, or classic black. Its casually minimalist style makes it versatile for daily activities—whether heading to school or the office. The size strikes a perfect balance—not too bulky, yet spacious enough to hold your essentials. Inside, you’ll find ample room for your laptop, gadgets, ID cards, personal items, water bottles, lunch containers, or a change of clothes.
This authentic leather backpack bears the brand D’Russa Leather Goods, a local label rooted in Pasir Impun, Mandalajati, Bandung. Despite its modern name, each piece is handcrafted in a cozy home workshop. Yet, small-scale craftsmanship hasn’t hindered its reach—these backpacks enjoy popularity across Asia, especially among shoppers in Singapore and Japan.
According to Andri Ismoyo, a representative from D’Russa Leather Goods, their primary overseas markets are Japan and Singapore, with Singapore leading the pack. Speaking at the Road to INACRAFT October 2025 event in Ciwalk, Bandung, Andri shared his insights: “Most of our international buyers are from Singapore, especially for our backpacks.”
D’Russa offers a diverse range of leather accessories for men, including belts, ID card holders, and bags made from premium goat and cow leather. Among these, the backpack remains the most sought-after, likely because of its premium leather quality and unique style appeal—it’s a statement piece, not just an accessory.
Andri notes that international customers favor Indonesian leather products partly because of attractive prices combined with high quality. “Indonesia’s reputation for good leather makes our products appealing abroad,” he explains.
While most of D’Russa’s sales happen online, they maintain a physical presence in Jakarta at Epiwalk Epicentrum. Their journey is a testament that success starts small. Andri recalls launching D’Russa in 2021 with just a Rp50,000 (about USD 3.50)—a note bearing Ir H. Djuanda Kartawidjaja’s image, which he used to buy leather in Cibaduyut. “I started by making gloves, selling them for Rp75,000, then reinvesting to make more,” he shares. Over a couple of years, steady growth turned that modest beginning into a fully operational business producing high-quality leather goods.
Though he doesn’t disclose sales figures, Andri mentions that their products now can reach prices up to Rp2.5 million, with backpacks typically around Rp1.5 million. He emphasizes that participating in events like Road to INACRAFT is invaluable—not necessarily for increasing sales alone, but to showcase the best of Bandung’s local craftsmanship and elevate the city’s reputation.
Nila Mayta Dwi Rihandjani, Regional CEO of Bank Mandiri Regional VI/Jawa 1, highlights the role of these exhibitions in accelerating UMKM growth—especially for artisans supported by ASEPHI. “This event is vital for helping local businesses adapt to the digital age, expand their market access, and build a resilient, competitive creative economy,” she states.
