The square box, small and red, is always with Dwi San. Opening it reveals dozens of rings set with gemstones. They are both a personal collection and a side business for Dwi, 35. "These stones can reach hundreds of millions of rupiah in value," he told Tempo last week.

Dwi is new to the gemstone trade. He became involved by chance, when he bought a bacan stone, a gem from South Halmahera, North Maluku, in January from a relative. The price offered