HILARIUS Mali Asa, a son of Holgotok in Lamaknen–Belu, ventured to Bali in 1988 with the dream of pursuing higher education. Limited financial means led him to choose work instead, but along that journey he discovered a new calling: the artistic world of furniture craftsmanship.
Starting from the bottom, Hilarius built an art shop known for its quality and artistic touch. The business once came to a halt due to high demand and difficulties in securing supplies, but Hilarius did not give up. He rose again, strengthened his network, and revived the furniture business that has now become his professional identity.
As an advocate and entrepreneur, Hilarius is known for his perseverance, honesty, and resilience—an inspiring figure for young migrants from Belu and East Nusa Tenggara. Here is the inspiring story of Hilarius Mali Asa, shared with the editorial team of E-Magazine EKSEKUTIF.
From an Unexpected Encounter in Legian : The Turning Point that Launched Hilarius Mali’s Art Business
Hilarius Mali Asa’s journey in the art world began with a simple love for artistic objects. Since 1999, he had been collecting various artworks that caught his attention. Whenever he found a beautiful piece, he would buy it—not to sell, but simply to display in his rented room. At the time, he never thought of starting a business; he merely enjoyed the beauty and meaning behind each creation.
One day, after dining at a restaurant in the Legian area, an unexpected incident occurred. On his way home, Hilarius accidentally collided with two foreign tourists. Instead of getting angry, the foreigners invited him to sit down and calm himself. Their friendly and reassuring attitude turned the incident into the beginning of a unique friendship.
Some time after that incident—right on Christmas Day—the two foreigners visited Hilarius at his place. One of them was from Norway, and the other from Sweden. It was only later that Hilarius learned the Norwegian man was a well-known actor in his home country. That encounter opened Hilarius’s eyes to the fact that the art pieces he displayed had the power to attract attention, even from international visitors.
From that simple meeting came the inspiration and courage to start an art shop together with the Norwegian and Swedish friends. His love for art, the meaningful encounters along the way, and the appreciation he received from many people eventually became the foundation of Hilarius’s long journey in the art and furniture industry to this day. **
Starting from Timor Wood Art in Ubud
The interest and support from the two foreigners from Norway and Sweden became the starting point for establishing an art shop in Ubud named Timor Wood Art.
The business licensing process was far from simple. Due to the scale of the business and the involvement of foreign investors, permits had to go through the Ministry of Law and Human Rights. Yet amid all the procedures and challenges, God opened a way in unexpected ways. What initially seemed like a mere “collision” of opportunities eventually became the foundation for a long-term and sustainable business that stands strong to this day.
This journey taught one important lesson: every event, no matter how difficult or even tragic, carries its own wisdom. The success of Timor Wood Art is not merely the result of business strategy, but also proof of how faith, courage, and unforeseen opportunities can come together to shape an inspiring success story.
Timor Wood Art is more than just a gallery selling artworks; it is a symbol of how art and perseverance can open paths for the growth of the creative economy and the development of culture-based tourism in Bali. **
Writer: Karolina, Editor: Igo Kleden
