Indonesian crafts: A new dimension
Indonesian crafts: A new dimension
By Sheila Natesan
JAKARTA (JP): Craft is the tangible product of craftspeople.
In Indonesia it is a combination of religious beliefs and
ancestral culture, coupled with inherent expertise, which has
been handed down through the generations. Now there is a need for
designs which combine traditional motifs with modern art forms --
a concept created and developed by The Indonesian Craft Design
Development Foundation.
Amirrudin, from Ujungpandang, is one of the foundation's
beneficiaries, introduced to the art of gembol waste-wood craft.
By availing itself of the services of an expert, the foundation
organized wood technology training.
"Tree roots meant nothing to me before. Now I have found a
skill, and I can train other unskilled workers in the art of wood
work," Amirrudin said.
Apart from furniture made from tree roots, he has mastered the
art of creating smaller wooden items, such as bowls and snack
plates, which are popular both within and outside Indonesia.
Expertise in wood craft can earn a craftsman an average of Rp
10,000 per day, as well as other benefits, such as bonuses and
accommodation.
Another artisan, Agus Harminto, is a student of SMIK (what's
that) in Pacitan, East Java, and has been associated with the
foundation's workshop in Ulujami since 1990. He said that he and
his colleagues have been provided with "an exposure to various
handicraft designs". He has learned how to select raw material,
the art of finishing and studied the Indonesian craft market. In
school he was exposed to various art forms, but he is grateful to
the foundation for nurturing his "spirit of creativity and self
satisfaction". He earns approximately Rp 350,000 a month, but
what is more important, he says, is the feeling of working as
part of a family, and his needs are taken care of in such things
as illness, family commitments and the like.
"The craftspeople I train have excellent ideas, but they lack
the finishing technique. It is the finishing that has to be
mastered," Agus said.
Taking a cue from this, the foundation organized various
training programs in finishing know-how.
Apart from training craftspeople, the foundation is also
engaged in effectively utilizing Indonesia's raw materials.
Harriadi, a ceramist, is involved in developing ceramic
activities, such as clay preparation, design and pottery forming,
and firing and glazing.
"The foundation has been instrumental in financing my research
activities, not by way of funds, but by procuring orders from
international buyers and creating a market for my products,"
Harriadi said.
In order to meet these overseas demand, he carries out
research. Money from the products sold help fund his research,
enabling him to explore the vast potential of ceramic craft.
"Other craftspeople could also benefit from the foundation, in
improving their respective crafts," he said.
Mrs. Dindin, from Periangan Timur in Bandung, has been
involved in bamboo and pandanus crafts for over 15 years. Her
association with the foundation during the last three years has
provided exposure to the international market, thereby enhancing
sales. This experience has convinced her that "bamboo can no
longer be treated as a rough-use product. The scope is vast. If
well crafted, it can replace wood. Efforts should be made to
cultivate bamboo plantations. This would assist in continuous
production, which is not possible today, because the raw material
is scattered in many areas and has to be sourced".
"Under the umbrella of the foundation's expertise in the
international market, small-scale craftspeople, who are otherwise
restricted and hesitant, are now able to understand the
requirements and explore other markets," she added.
Design
Today, the role of design is gaining more importance, because
it bridges the gap between art and science, and economy and
environment.
"What is imperative in this era of globalization, is a product
which is a combination of discipline, knowledge, technology and
design," Mrs. Hartarto, president of the foundation, said.
In keeping with President Soeharto's message to the people,
"Ready, or not ready, we must enter the international market,"
the foundation has added momentum to its efforts to generate
enthusiasm in Indonesia's craftspeople and designers by launching
Design Month'95.
Steps in this direction commenced in April, and will continue
through September, 1995. This is just the beginning, and it is
hoped that further projects will be undertaken along these lines
to reach the goal.
The keynote of Design Month '95 is creativity in design in
every field, from fashion to consumer items. In every item there
is an aspect of design, and as such, not only craftspeople and
artisans, but all manufacturers and producers are encouraged to
come forward with new ideas, keeping in mind global economy and
technology. Design Month '95 is also being held in commemoration
of the 50th anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia.
Its goals are: an appreciation of design through design
competitions, exhibitions and design seminars; paving the way for
Indonesia to enter the international market; involving active
participation in its programs by artists, businessmen and the
public in general; and recognizing, by giving awards, individuals
and institutions who contribute to the promotion of design in
Indonesia.
From April 1995 to July 1995, design competitions were held
for pearl jewelry, gift and souvenir items, with the theme "Back
to Nature", and educational toys. Original and new designs from
Indonesian nationals, either individuals or groups, were
solicited. The best three designs will be exhibited and suitably
awarded.
Workshops for improving skills were also held during these
months. A new weaving technique, called Gobeling Weaving, was
introduced by an expert, and weavers were exposed to modern
designs and the technique of choosing threads and blending
colors.
A patchwork expert from Japan shared her expertise in basic
and advanced quilt crafting and training was given to small
groups. This training has equipped the participants to become
teacher trainers, making the knowledge gained available to a
larger section of society.
In addition, a renowned glass company conducted a workshop on
the art of using glass as a medium, while a leading paint company
gave a demonstration on the choice and method of painting to
achieve a perfect end product.
The foundation will also be organizing exhibitions during
September and October, to display items from design universities
all over Indonesia, the Design competitions' prize winners, and
art collections from the foundation and its workshop.
The September schedule includes a panel discussion between
businessmen, noted designers and craftspeople. It is hoped that
with the ensuing talks and brain storming, the restricting
factors and method of achieving globalization of Indonesian
designs will be clarified.
Indonesian batik and ikat have distinct features and have made
a niche for themselves in the international market. Iwan Tirta,
is one of the designers who has developed the batik design. Then
there is Farouk Kamal with his original work in rattan furniture,
who has created some unique pieces which are popular
internationally.
"In every product there is room for creativity, and it is up
to us to awaken and develop it," Mrs. Hartarto said.
Due to an increased demand on the craft university (which
one), the foundation will hold seminars on topics concerning
copyrights of industrial design products, both within and outside
Indonesia; global marketing of industrial design products; the
role of cooperatives in the handicraft industry; and enhancing
creativity in designers. The venue for the exhibition, panel
discussions and seminars will be the National Museum.
Mrs. Hartarto said, "We have reached the 50-year mark, it is
time to create something new whatever the area -- Indonesia must
be identified by its own special products which will meet
international demands. Designers, craftspeople and artists must
make a concentrated effort to forge ahead and our foundation will
provide the necessary assistance."
The vast potential of design could best be summed up by
stating that "design, in association with quality and
responsibility, could serve as a vision for the future".
For craftspeople to pick up the reins and explore the
possibilities to the fullest, is the message of Design Month '95.