FEATURES • SUPPLIERS
Legacy in Threads:
The Evolution of Yogi &
Boo into Bali’s Ethical
Fashion Leader
January 2025
Words & Photography by The Punch
Yogi & Boo’s narrative unfolds at the beginning of 1987 with Yogi and his Australian wife, Jenny. What started as a simple venture has blossomed into Bali’s premier ethically certified garment manufacturer, specializing in mid to large-sized international fashion brands. Yet, their story is more than just business; it’s a deeper commitment to the island and its people.
Rooted in an era when Bali was just becoming a favored destination for Australian travelers, Yogi and Jenny started their journey with traditional batik printing, gradually expanding to a handful of retail outlets across Kuta. Their dedication to quality and style quickly drew devoted clientele, paving the way for exports to Australia and Europe in the early 1990s. It was this passion for craftsmanship and the island they cherished that laid the groundwork for the company’s growth.
The turning point for Yogi & Boo arrived in 2008, when their son, Satria Ngetis, stepped into the role of leader. Having witnessed the environmental and social repercussions of fast fashion, he felt a responsibility to challenge the status quo. Under his visionary guidance, Yogi & Boo has become a leading example of ethical and sustainable manufacturing in Bali, inspiring a new generation of conscious creators.
ETHICAL ROOTS: YOGI & BOO'S FAMILY VALUES
Yogi & Boo have always upheld an ethical mindset, and their SA8000 certification shows these principles, bringing them to life for their customers. Around 2008, they began blending these values into the fabric of daily operations, instituting 40-hour workweeks and offering wages well above Bali’s local living standards. This commitment not only uplifted staff morale but also created a deep sense of belonging and family within the company.
As a second-generation clothing company, Yogi & Boo stands out with its close-knit, family-run foundation paired with Western management. Many team members have journeyed alongside them since the early days, sharing continuity and purpose. With a focus on family values and sustainability, Yogi & Boo manages all production in-house, allowing shorter lead times and mixing their creations with a personal touch that sets them apart from other manufacturers.
WATER-WISE: EMBRACING DIGITAL PRINTING
In 2012, Satria and his partner identified water wastage as a pressing environmental concern in their manufacturing practices. By 2015, the team at Yogi & Boo dedicated themselves to addressing this challenge, aiming to minimize their impact on water resources and wastewater management. At the company, known for its printed resort wear, the traditional reliance on screen printing consumed 40 to 60 liters of water per meter of fabric. This water, used to rinse away excess dye, frequently contaminated local waterways despite basic filtration efforts. Fueled by a responsible commitment, Yogi & Boo set their sights on fully transitioning to digital printing–a more efficient, eco-friendly alternative–by 2020.
OVERCOMING SUSTAINABLE CHALLENGES
Making the switch to digital printing posed a formidable challenge for the team. Over five years, they journeyed to trade shows across Asia and Europe, exploring unconventional machinery and ink configurations. Despite skepticism from the industry, the dedication to reducing environmental impact never wavered. The shift was not easy, as traditional screen and batik printing was seen as artisanal allure, even with detrimental consequences. Educating customers about the advantages of digital printing became essential to alter perceptions. To their surprise, as time unfolded, demand surged beyond their expectations, with inquiries flowing in from other factories and hobbyists alike, pushing their business into exciting new territories.
INNOVATIVE WASTE STRATEGIES
The daily waste produced by large-scale fashion manufacturing is a significant environmental challenge. In response, Yogi & Boo has long supported the tradition of donating fabric offcuts, a practice that began with Satria’s parents in the 80s. These offcuts find new life as insulation for construction materials, filling for plush toys, or non-woven fabric used in car interiors and carpets. This approach not only reduces waste but also lessens the ecological footprint of fashion production.
More than this, Yogi & Boo is actively exploring innovative technologies showcased at recent trade shows. These cutting-edge systems focus on minimizing fabric waste through 3D knitting and creating garments from simple materials like yarn and twine. The team is equally determined to enhance better practices in their dyeing techniques. Collectively, these initiatives show Yogi & Boo’s commitment to advancing material efficiency and reducing their overall environmental impact.
UNITY WITH LOCAL COMMUNITIES
For Satria, Yogi & Boo’s commitment to uplifting local communities is deeply personal. Growing up in the nearby banjar, he experienced firsthand the profound effects of the pandemic. This background shapes the company’s philosophy, making impactful partnerships, particularly with the Role Foundation, which empowers marginalized women by imparting valuable skills. During the tumultuous years of 2020 and 2021, Yogi & Boo stepped up to support their community, witnessing a remarkable sense of unity. Their dedication to social responsibility has not only gained recognition from clients but also led to an award from the Badung Mayor last year, celebrating their meaningful contributions to social welfare throughout Bali.
SMOOTH PARTNERSHIPS WITH BRANDS
Partnering with Yogi & Boo promises a collaborative journey with ethical transparency from the start. It all begins when clients share their design brief, ideas, and range plan, often accompanied by examples from past collections of established brands. Following this, Yogi & Boo assesses the project and arranges a meeting–either in their factory or virtually–for fabric selections, finishes, prints, and colors.
Yogi & Boo’s values shine through every phase of this process. The team offers clear and honest deadlines, sample production, and lead times, ensuring every operation reflects their ethical standards. Once samples receive the green light, production kicks off using their state-of-the-art in-house digital printing, which minimizes waste and also significantly reduces environmental impact. Through attention to detail, every aspect–from printing to quality checks and finishing–is executed with care. At the project’s conclusion, clients receive a thorough final report, showing Yogi & Boo’s dedication to better practices and exceptional quality.
MAJOR LEARNING CURVES
Over the years, Yogi & Boo has faced the challenge of achieving genuine sustainability, striving for depth rather than superficiality. Many clients look for eco-friendly solutions, yet balancing these ideals with the demands of the competitive retail landscape can be difficult. Looking back, the need for more space is acknowledged, though they wouldn’t have altered much beyond that.
As a key manufacturer, Yogi & Boo is a brand navigating the realm of sustainable fabrics. They recognize that while these eco-conscious options may carry a slightly higher price tag, this investment is one that brands can–and should–make. In doing so, they create not only better quality garments but also a deeper commitment to the environment–a brighter future for all.
FASHION'S FORWARD PATH
Looking ahead, the team at Yogi & Boo believes the fashion industry is on the brink of significant transformation. In the next decade, they anticipate a departure from conventional fabric cutting and sewing, shifting to innovative techniques like 3D knitting and the creation of garments spun directly from threads.
With a strong commitment, Yogi & Boo focuses on growing their sustainability initiatives, setting goals to embrace more conscious dyeing practices and significantly reduce energy consumption. Understanding that clothing manufacturing stands as a major polluter, their long-term mission will be centered on minimizing environmental impact while leading by example beyond Bali, guiding the industry toward a more sustainable horizon.
EXPLORE THE FULL STORY IN UNCOVERED BALI BOOK
Uncovered Bali is a collective project showcasing the sustainable journeys of carefully selected Bali businesses to a global audience. Each story highlights the unique impact these enterprises have on preserving Bali’s cultural and environmental heritage while driving positive change. Through this project, we aim to inspire global leaders, travelers, and communities to embrace more sustainable practices and appreciate the powerful role that local businesses play in shaping a better future.
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