(1/3/2011) He's always been a character. The well known and popular public figure in Bali, Joseph Theodorus Wulianadi or, "Joger", as he is more popularly known, is now also a champion.

Joger recently won an Indonesian Small and Medium Business Entrepreneur Award 2010 (ISMBEA 2010) presented by Wirausaha & Keuangan (W&K) Magazine.

Joger, who operates "Pabrik Kata-Kata (The Word Factory)", received the prestigious award on December 13, 2010, for his fashion designs, creative marketing and innovative approach to business. His "Pabrik Kata-Kata" on Jalan Raya Tuban in Kuta is a "must stop" for Bali's domestic tourist , creating a daily bottleneck of park cars and buses from the hundreds of visitors seeking the avant-garde merchandise and clothing sold there.

The latest award for Joger and "Pabrik Kata-Kata was awarded in recognition his undying commitment to change, product and brand development, and his demonstrated business acumen.

In business since 1981, Joger sells a humorously and uniquely branded range of t-shirts, sandals, table cloths, ashtrays, key hangers and assortment of other bric-a-brac.

What plainly sets Joger products apart are the range of zany slogans and social commentary emblazoned on each item, immediately identifiable as a "word factory" products when proudly worn or displayed back home after a Bali holiday.

Shopping at Joger is also a one-of-a-kind experience. The large shop space in Tuban is dominated by several large Balinese statues of traditionally dressed characters: the first holding its nose, the second covering its ears, a third covering its mouth, a fourth covering its eyes; a fifth covering its breasts and a final performing a gesture urging visitors to guard their souls. Over-shopping is also strictly forbidden with limits imposed on the number of specific products that any shopper can buy during a single visit.

The name "Joger" is inspired by a German school mate, Gerhard Seeger, who the now 59-year-old owner met while studying in Bad Wiesse in the 1970s. Gerhard gave Wulianadi a wedding gift of US$20,000 and the first three letters of his name which in combination with the first two letters of "Joseph" now form the well know "Joger" brand.

Keeping with a reputation for eccentricity, Wuliandi opened a second shop in Baturiti, Tabanan on September 9, 2009 at 9 minutes past 9 am.

Not a moment too soon for "Jogers" many loyal fans.