INACRAFT 2015: A MELTING POT OF INDONESIA'S CULTURE AND TRADITION

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2015/04/24/citizen-journalism-from-villages-global-market.html

Rows of Javanese traditional handicrafts welcomed us as we made our way for the first time to The INACRAFT 2015 exhibition. The more we explore, the more we discovered the vibrant ornaments and rich artistic traditions of various ethnic groups spawning across our archipelago. Various brooches, silverwares, sandals, kilts, bags, cloths, paintings and many other gifts sat invitingly, surrounded by eager visitors. From affordable to crazily expensives prices, these diverse etnic crafts and housewares were displayed in grace. They represent Indonesia's rich culture heritage of art and handicrafts.

Coming from Java, I am proud to see the highly developed art forms of Javanese artisans reflected in the distinctive batik designs, silver, wayang, handicrafts and other art objects.  Batik textiles ranged  from hand drawn to stamped batik, took intricate design of which takes months to create. The Surakarta and Yogyakarta royal batik designs merged with  traditional colors of navy blue, cream, brown and black have given way to a myriad of colors utilizing modern imported dyes.

There were also some antique housewares that reminded me of home. The old charcoal iron brought back my childhood memories of my grandmother ironing our clothes with the heavy metal filled with coal. Immediately, I could smell the burning sensation of the ironing process in which my grandma would sweat and fan herself after such a tiring labor. This smell stayed with me when I went home.

Digging further into the packed exhibition stands, visitors were spoiled with stunning textiles of diverse culture, double weave ikat from Nusa Tenggara, silk Bugis sarong from Sulawesi, gold-painted Balinese endek fabric; shimmering songket from Palembang utilizing silver and gold metallic threads weft in woven cotton or silk ikat; and Tapis weavings from Lampung. All of which have showcased Indonesia's rich culture and tradition, known for its outstanding array of traditional crafts.

Domestic visitors as well as foreigners flocked to this annual event. In its final day, more people come. The snaking queue to enter the compound was frustrating. Yet, acknowledged as one of the biggest and the most complete handicraft exhibition in Indonesia has made the show a rare event to miss,  a melting pot of Indonesia's culture and tradition.

The exhibition offered possibilities both for traders and potential buyers. Transactions and deals were sealed and new business contracts drafted. 

With INACRAFT 2015 main theme of From Smart Village to Global Market, the show helps to promote and facilitate distinctive Indonesia’s unique crafts products to the higher level of commerciality and artistic aesthetic.