Bambu Yang Berjasa Untuk Kertayasa | RAGAM INDONESIA (14/04/22)

Summary

This video highlights the bamboo craftsmanship of Kertayasa village in Banjarnegara, Central Java, renowned for its bamboo products. Indonesia ranks third in the world for bamboo exports, with major markets in Europe, the US, and Latin America. The traditional bamboo crafting process involves intricate steps, from splitting and smoothing bamboo to weaving and smoking it for durability. Skilled artisans, often learned from their parents, can produce up to 50 bamboo items per week. Kertayasa's bamboo creations, ranging from simple trays to intricate furniture, are sold at local 'Pasar Tiban,' where demand is high for these sought-after products.

Takeaways

• 😀 Indonesia is a global leader in bamboo production, ranking 3rd worldwide in bamboo product exports.
• 😀 Most bamboo products from Indonesia are exported to Europe, the United States, and Latin America.
• 😀 Bamboo crafts from Kertayasa Village in Banjarnegara, Central Java, are known for their intricate production process.
• 😀 The bamboo used is from the Wulung variety, known for its strength and flexibility, making it easy to work with.
• 😀 The crafting process starts by cutting the bamboo into the desired size and then smoothing it using a tool called 'Oyot I'.
• 😀 Weaving the bamboo involves precise measurements to ensure the correct spacing between the pieces.
• 😀 The weaving process can be time-consuming, depending on the size and complexity of the product.
• 😀 Some bamboo items, like the 'wongku' (a round basket), require more strength and skill, especially for larger sizes.
• 😀 Smoking the bamboo is a key step to prevent mold and preserve the material. The traditional method involves heating it with straw.
• 😀 Once smoked, the bamboo is shaped into a perfect round form using a tool similar to a compass for precision.
• 😀 The final step includes tying the bamboo pieces together with rattan roots to strengthen the structure and ensure uniformity in the design.
• 😀 Bamboo crafting in Kertayasa Village is passed down through generations, with many artisans learning the skills from their parents or through self-teaching.
• 😀 On average, each artisan produces around 30 bamboo products per week, but production can increase to 50 items during peak demand.
• 😀 There are around 1,000 bamboo artisans in the eight villages of Kertayasa, and the bamboo crafts are sold at local 'Pasar Tiban' (pop-up markets), which are held twice a week.
• 😀 Prices for bamboo crafts vary, with simple items costing around IDR 20,000, while more complex furniture and home accessories can sell for hundreds of thousands of rupiahs.

Q & A

What is the main craft in Desa Kertayasa, Banjarnegara?

The main craft in Desa Kertayasa is bamboo handicrafts, which are produced and sold in large quantities, especially to Europe, the United States, and Latin America.

Why is bamboo from the Wulung type chosen for crafting?

Bamboo from the Wulung type is chosen because it is strong and flexible, making it easier to work with and shape into various crafts.

What is the first step in making bamboo crafts?

The first step is splitting the bamboo into desired sizes, followed by smoothing it using a process called 'Oyot I' by the locals, which involves scraping the bamboo to make it smooth.

How are the bamboo strips woven together?

The bamboo strips are woven together by ensuring precise spacing between them. This weaving process can be time-consuming, depending on the size and complexity of the item being made.

What is the significance of the 'wongku' in bamboo crafting?

The 'wongku' is a circular part of the bamboo craft, usually a boundary or edge that requires extra effort to form, often done by men due to the physical strength needed to create a perfect circle, especially for larger items.

What is the purpose of the smoking process in bamboo crafting?

The smoking process is used to prevent the bamboo from developing mold. Traditional methods involve burning straw to produce smoke, which is controlled to avoid burning the bamboo, and it takes about 30 minutes to complete.

How is the bamboo craft shaped into a round form?

To achieve a round shape, craftsmen use a tool that works similarly to a compass, cutting the bamboo weave into a perfect circle.

What is the final step in ensuring the bamboo craft's durability?

The final step involves tying the edges of the bamboo using rattan roots, which are stitched in a consistent pattern to reinforce the structure and ensure the product's strength.

How is bamboo craftsmanship passed down through generations?

The craftsmanship is passed down through generations, with many artisans learning techniques either through self-teaching or from their parents.

What is the typical weekly production rate of bamboo craftsmen in Desa Kertayasa?

On average, bamboo craftsmen in Desa Kertayasa can produce around 30 pieces of tampah (a type of bamboo tray) and 'tudung saji' (a food cover) per week. During high demand, this can increase to 50 pieces per week.