For many university graduates, securing a corporate job is the ultimate goal. But for Aji, a native of Blitar, East Java, a conventional career path wasn't enough. After spending years studying at the Faculty of Economics and Business at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) in Yogyakarta, he briefly worked for a property development company. However, his time as an employee lasted only a few months. Aji firmly believed that an Economics graduate should create jobs and drive economic independence, rather than remaining dependent on others.

Aji saw an opportunity in his hometown of Blitar, a region famous for its high quality, affordably priced wood handicrafts. Combining his academic background with practical insights from his brief corporate, Aji set out to build his own handicraft business.

In 2002, he launched his wood handicraft business under the name "Kembang Sore" (The Afternoon Flower), starting small with just two friends. He rented a workshop near the Madukismo sugar factory in Padokan, Yogyakarta. The location was highly strategic—situated close to the tourist hub of Prawirotaman and the famous Kasongan pottery center, which significantly boosted his marketing reach.

Operating patiently as a supplier, Aji brought semi-finished wood products from Blitar, finished them in Yogyakarta, and pitched them to local art shops. By 2003, his commitment to quality and buyer trust paid off, bringing in a massive influx of orders. This success allowed him to open a showroom in Kasongan and establish a primary production workshop back in Blitar, requiring him to constantly shuttle between the two cities.

Disaster struck in May 2006 when a devastating earthquake hit Yogyakarta, destroying his Padokan workshop. Yet, true entrepreneurship thrives in adversity. A close friend offered his backyard on Parangtritis Street to serve as a temporary workshop. Marking this new dawn and resilience, Aji renamed the business "Padhang Wulan" (The Bright Moon).

Today, assisted by a dedicated team of 8 artisans in Yogyakarta and 4 in Blitar, Padhang Wulan successfully exports its products to both Asian and American markets. One of Aji's best seller products is the Djembe drum, which has become highly popular among customers in the United States. Instead of fearing rising competition, Aji views it as a motivator to constantly innovate and push creative boundaries.

A vital catalyst in this growth has been his partnership with the APIKRI foundation since 2008. The technical supervision and production guidance provided by APIKRI have greatly improved his operational efficiency.

Like many businesses, Padhang Wulan faced tough times during the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused a temporary drop in production. However, Aji remains optimistic. With APIKRI’s ongoing support in product development and marketing, he hopes his handicraft business will continue to grow and advance. Ultimately, Aji wishes to see small and medium-sized artisans always receive the support they need to scale up and reach the global market.