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.