Yogyakarta holds a global reputation for its rich cultural history and diverse traditional crafts, including the art of making bamboo fans. Among the artisans still active today is Wawan Sulistyo, affectionately known as Wawan. Born in Bantul on April 21, 1988, he is one of the dedicated bamboo fan craftsmen who continues to create despite the waves of modernity.

As a second generation artisan, Wawan inherited this craft from his father, who was also a fan maker in Bantul. Growing up surrounded by the beauty of handmade crafts instilled a deep passion in Wawan to follow in his father's footsteps.

After graduating from a senior high school in Yogyakarta in 2005, Wawan focused entirely on developing his traditional fan business. Drawing on the knowledge passed down through generations, he meticulously assembles bamboo staves into fan frames and pairs them with batik-patterned fabrics. While batik fans remain his signature product, Wawan adapts to evolving designs and market demands by innovating. He now incorporates modern patterns using Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing and various other techniques based on customer requests.

In the early days of his business, Wawan regularly marketed his products to traditional markets and tourism centers across Yogyakarta. His fans became popular choices for wedding souvenirs and event merchandise. However, there came a time when the popularity of traditional fans declined as new trends emerged. Wawan also faced numerous production challenges, ranging from unpredictable seasonal shifts to the COVID-19 pandemic, which paralyzed various manufacturing sectors. During these difficult times, he searched for ways to expand his market beyond domestic borders. His prayers and hard work finally paid off when he secured his very first export order from Malaysia.

Wawan joined APIKRI as a member artisan around 2020, during which he began producing fans for export to the United States. APIKRI has played a vital role in helping Wawan develop new designs and products, while ensuring his bamboo fans meet international export standards. To this day, Wawan remains deeply committed to maintaining the high quality of his work to honor his family's heritage. Supported by his team, Wawan’s business now boasts a production capacity of thousands of bamboo fans per month.

Through his fan business, Wawan has been able to provide an education for his two daughters and support his family's daily needs. Beyond sustaining his own household, he also empowers his community by employing five local residents to assist with production.

Since partnering with APIKRI, Wawan has adopted Fair Trade principles within his productions. He focuses on sourcing sustainable bamboo materials, ensuring fair wages for his workforce, and supporting the local community by employing both men and women.