Indonesian crafts: A new dimension<\/p>\n
By Sheila Natesan<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Craft is the tangible product of craftspeople.
\nIn Indonesia it is a combination of religious beliefs and
\nancestral culture, coupled with inherent expertise, which has
\nbeen handed down through the generations. Now there is a need for
\ndesigns which combine traditional motifs with modern art forms --
\na concept created and developed by The Indonesian Craft Design
\nDevelopment Foundation.<\/p>\n
Amirrudin, from Ujungpandang, is one of the foundation's
\nbeneficiaries, introduced to the art of gembol waste-wood craft.
\nBy availing itself of the services of an expert, the foundation
\norganized wood technology training.<\/p>\n
\"Tree roots meant nothing to me before. Now I have found a
\nskill, and I can train other unskilled workers in the art of wood
\nwork,\" Amirrudin said.<\/p>\n
Apart from furniture made from tree roots, he has mastered the
\nart of creating smaller wooden items, such as bowls and snack
\nplates, which are popular both within and outside Indonesia.
\nExpertise in wood craft can earn a craftsman an average of Rp
\n10,000 per day, as well as other benefits, such as bonuses and
\naccommodation.<\/p>\n
Another artisan, Agus Harminto, is a student of SMIK (what's
\nthat) in Pacitan, East Java, and has been associated with the
\nfoundation's workshop in Ulujami since 1990. He said that he and
\nhis colleagues have been provided with \"an exposure to various
\nhandicraft designs\". He has learned how to select raw material,
\nthe art of finishing and studied the Indonesian craft market. In
\nschool he was exposed to various art forms, but he is grateful to
\nthe foundation for nurturing his \"spirit of creativity and self
\nsatisfaction\". He earns approximately Rp 350,000 a month, but
\nwhat is more important, he says, is the feeling of working as
\npart of a family, and his needs are taken care of in such things
\nas illness, family commitments and the like.<\/p>\n
\"The craftspeople I train have excellent ideas, but they lack
\nthe finishing technique. It is the finishing that has to be
\nmastered,\" Agus said.<\/p>\n
Taking a cue from this, the foundation organized various
\ntraining programs in finishing know-how.<\/p>\n
Apart from training craftspeople, the foundation is also
\nengaged in effectively utilizing Indonesia's raw materials.
\nHarriadi, a ceramist, is involved in developing ceramic
\nactivities, such as clay preparation, design and pottery forming,
\nand firing and glazing.<\/p>\n
\"The foundation has been instrumental in financing my research
\nactivities, not by way of funds, but by procuring orders from
\ninternational buyers and creating a market for my products,\"
\nHarriadi said.<\/p>\n
In order to meet these overseas demand, he carries out
\nresearch. Money from the products sold help fund his research,
\nenabling him to explore the vast potential of ceramic craft.<\/p>\n
\"Other craftspeople could also benefit from the foundation, in
\nimproving their respective crafts,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Mrs. Dindin, from Periangan Timur in Bandung, has been
\ninvolved in bamboo and pandanus crafts for over 15 years. Her
\nassociation with the foundation during the last three years has
\nprovided exposure to the international market, thereby enhancing
\nsales. This experience has convinced her that \"bamboo can no
\nlonger be treated as a rough-use product. The scope is vast. If
\nwell crafted, it can replace wood. Efforts should be made to
\ncultivate bamboo plantations. This would assist in continuous
\nproduction, which is not possible today, because the raw material
\nis scattered in many areas and has to be sourced\".<\/p>\n
\"Under the umbrella of the foundation's expertise in the
\ninternational market, small-scale craftspeople, who are otherwise
\nrestricted and hesitant, are now able to understand the
\nrequirements and explore other markets,\" she added.<\/p>\n
Design<\/p>\n
Today, the role of design is gaining more importance, because
\nit bridges the gap between art and science, and economy and
\nenvironment.<\/p>\n
\"What is imperative in this era of globalization, is a product
\nwhich is a combination of discipline, knowledge, technology and
\ndesign,\" Mrs. Hartarto, president of the foundation, said.<\/p>\n
In keeping with President Soeharto's message to the people,
\n\"Ready, or not ready, we must enter the international market,\"
\nthe foundation has added momentum to its efforts to generate
\nenthusiasm in Indonesia's craftspeople and designers by launching
\nDesign Month'95.<\/p>\n
Steps in this direction commenced in April, and will continue
\nthrough September, 1995. This is just the beginning, and it is
\nhoped that further projects will be undertaken along these lines
\nto reach the goal.<\/p>\n
The keynote of Design Month '95 is creativity in design in
\nevery field, from fashion to consumer items. In every item there
\nis an aspect of design, and as such, not only craftspeople and
\nartisans, but all manufacturers and producers are encouraged to
\ncome forward with new ideas, keeping in mind global economy and
\ntechnology. Design Month '95 is also being held in commemoration
\nof the 50th anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia.<\/p>\n
Its goals are: an appreciation of design through design
\ncompetitions, exhibitions and design seminars; paving the way for
\nIndonesia to enter the international market; involving active
\nparticipation in its programs by artists, businessmen and the
\npublic in general; and recognizing, by giving awards, individuals
\nand institutions who contribute to the promotion of design in
\nIndonesia.<\/p>\n
From April 1995 to July 1995, design competitions were held
\nfor pearl jewelry, gift and souvenir items, with the theme \"Back
\nto Nature\", and educational toys. Original and new designs from
\nIndonesian nationals, either individuals or groups, were
\nsolicited. The best three designs will be exhibited and suitably
\nawarded.<\/p>\n
Workshops for improving skills were also held during these
\nmonths. A new weaving technique, called Gobeling Weaving, was
\nintroduced by an expert, and weavers were exposed to modern
\ndesigns and the technique of choosing threads and blending
\ncolors.<\/p>\n
A patchwork expert from Japan shared her expertise in basic
\nand advanced quilt crafting and training was given to small
\ngroups. This training has equipped the participants to become
\nteacher trainers, making the knowledge gained available to a
\nlarger section of society.<\/p>\n
In addition, a renowned glass company conducted a workshop on
\nthe art of using glass as a medium, while a leading paint company
\ngave a demonstration on the choice and method of painting to
\nachieve a perfect end product.<\/p>\n
The foundation will also be organizing exhibitions during
\nSeptember and October, to display items from design universities
\nall over Indonesia, the Design competitions' prize winners, and
\nart collections from the foundation and its workshop.<\/p>\n
The September schedule includes a panel discussion between
\nbusinessmen, noted designers and craftspeople. It is hoped that
\nwith the ensuing talks and brain storming, the restricting
\nfactors and method of achieving globalization of Indonesian
\ndesigns will be clarified.<\/p>\n
Indonesian batik and ikat have distinct features and have made
\na niche for themselves in the international market. Iwan Tirta,
\nis one of the designers who has developed the batik design. Then
\nthere is Farouk Kamal with his original work in rattan furniture,
\nwho has created some unique pieces which are popular
\ninternationally.<\/p>\n
\"In every product there is room for creativity, and it is up
\nto us to awaken and develop it,\" Mrs. Hartarto said.<\/p>\n
Due to an increased demand on the craft university (which
\none), the foundation will hold seminars on topics concerning
\ncopyrights of industrial design products, both within and outside
\nIndonesia; global marketing of industrial design products; the
\nrole of cooperatives in the handicraft industry; and enhancing
\ncreativity in designers. The venue for the exhibition, panel
\ndiscussions and seminars will be the National Museum.<\/p>\n
Mrs. Hartarto said, \"We have reached the 50-year mark, it is
\ntime to create something new whatever the area -- Indonesia must
\nbe identified by its own special products which will meet
\ninternational demands. Designers, craftspeople and artists must
\nmake a concentrated effort to forge ahead and our foundation will
\nprovide the necessary assistance.\"<\/p>\n
The vast potential of design could best be summed up by
\nstating that \"design, in association with quality and
\nresponsibility, could serve as a vision for the future\".<\/p>\n
For craftspeople to pick up the reins and explore the
\npossibilities to the fullest, is the message of Design Month '95.<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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