What are the Famous Arts in Indonesia

Indonesia is renowned for its wealth of art and culture, with unique local art forms found in each region. The country boasts a diverse range of fine arts, including paintings, sculptures, and poetry, as well as traditional houses and other art objects.

This article aims to showcase some of Indonesia's fine art examples, highlighting the numerous works of art produced by both professional artists and members of the community. By exploring Indonesia's rich artistic traditions, it is hoped that readers will gain a greater appreciation for the country's cultural heritage.

In the following, I will explain some of the works of Indonesian arts.

1. Indonesian Traditional Crafts

Kain Tenun (Woven Fabric)

Indonesia is renowned for its woven fabrics, also known as songket cloth, which are created using weaving techniques that combine threads lengthwise and crosswise. Each region of Indonesia has its own unique woven fabric characteristics, with production having even penetrated the global market. On August 16, 2021, President Joko Widodo inaugurated September 6 as National Weaving and Songket Day.

Batik

Batik cloth, a type of fabric traditionally produced in Java, has become an iconic representation of Indonesia. While certain areas outside Java have their own batik cloth motifs, the practice is predominantly found on the island. UNESCO designated batik cloth as a Humanitarian Heritage for Oral and Intangible Culture on October 2, 2009. Since then, every October 2 has been designated National Batik Day by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

Anyaman (Matting)

Woven objects, such as mats, baskets, bags, and furniture, made from bamboo fibers are known as matting. Though the bamboo fibers may appear thin and fragile, objects made of woven bamboo are actually sturdy, hard, and strong. Many objects made of matting are used as souvenirs for visitors to an area.

Ukiran Keris (Keris Carving)

Keris, a traditional Javanese dagger, is not an inherently artistic object, but the carvings on a keris can be considered fine art. These carvings are detailed and created with care, often reflecting the personality of the sculptor. Many of the keris sculptors are native to Central Java, particularly from areas with a history of palaces, such as Yogyakarta and Solo.

2. Seni Pahat

Monumen Selamat Datang (Wellcome Monument) by Edhi Sunarso

If you have ever been to the Hotel Indonesia roundabout or the HI roundabout in Jakarta, you must have seen the Selamat Datang Monument by the renowned Indonesian sculptor, Edhi Sunarso. This monument is located in the middle of the roundabout pool and was created with the purpose of welcoming visitors coming from the National Monument (Monas). The two figures on the monument wave their hands towards Monas, and it was commissioned by President Soekarno to enliven the 1962 Asian Games held in Jakarta.

Monumen Garuda Wisnu Kencana by Nyoman Nuarta

The Garuda Wisnu Kencana Monument is a source of pride for the people of Bali, as it represents Lord Vishnu riding the Garuda bird, sculpted by I Nyoman Nuarta using a blend of steel and copper. This monument tells the story of Garuda's sacrifice to save his mother from slavery, which was successful with the help of Lord Vishnu. Tourists visiting Bali can view this monument in Jimbaran, which can be seen from up to 20 kilometers away, including areas such as Kuta, Sanur, Nusa Dua, and Tanah Lot.

Faith and Illusion by Dolorosa Sinaga

Dolorosa Sinaga is a well-known sculptor from Sibolga, North Sumatra, whose name is recognized even outside Indonesia. One of her most notable works is the "Faith and Illusion" sculpture, made of iron and copper, which is located in Tuscany, Italy. This sculpture, unlike her other works that focus on women's emancipation, has a different meaning and has been interpreted in various ways by visitors to the artwork.

3. Lukisan

Penangkapan Pangeran Diponegoro by Raden Saleh

Indonesia boasts of several renowned fine arts, particularly paintings. One of the most celebrated Indonesian painters is Raden Saleh, whose most popular work is "Penangkapan Pangeran Diponegoro" Raden Saleh's masterpiece is kept in the Presidential Palace and is considered one of Indonesia's finest paintings.

Gatotkaca dengan Pergiwa dan Pergiwati by Basuki Abdullah

Another notable Indonesian painter is Basuki Abdullah, who painted "Gatotkaca with Periwa and Perwati" on President Soekarno's request. The painting features the wayang character Gatotkaca flying and two twin girls named Gigiwa and Periwati. This painting is currently displayed in the Reception Room of the Merdeka Palace.

Kebijaksanaan dari Timur by Affandi Koesoema

Affandi Koesoema is also a prominent Indonesian painter who produced over 2,000 paintings during his lifetime. One of his masterpieces is "Wisdom from the East", which illustrates a giant hand supporting a human and a puppet figure known for his wisdom, Ki Lurah Semar. This painting, created in 1967, is one example of Indonesian artists gaining global recognition through their exceptional works of arts.

4. Bangunan Tradisional (Traditional Dwellings)

Rumah Adat Gadang in West Sumatra Province

The Gadang traditional house is a type of house commonly found in West Sumatra, although not all Minangkabau people have one. The house is characterized by specific requirements for it to be considered a true "Gadang traditional house." The number of rooms and pillars are notable features, as is the arrangement of living spaces. Typically, the house is occupied by one or two families and passed down to future generations.

Rumah Adat Joglo in Central Java Province

The Joglo traditional house is another famous traditional dwelling in Indonesia, with a roof that resembles a hat. It typically has four main pillars located at the corners of the house and is divided into two parts: the main house and additional houses. The main house is larger and contains a pavilion in the yard, where formal activities and Javanese customs are held.

Rumah Adat Honai in Papua Province

The Honai traditional house is unique to the Dani tribe in Papua Province. Unlike the other traditional houses discussed, the Honai is intentionally simple in design to create a warm and easily movable dwelling. This is especially important for the Dani people who live in remote areas and may need to relocate quickly due to wildlife. The Honai is divided into three types: the Honai House for men, the Ebai House for women, and the Wamai house for animals. In the past, the Honai was also used for storing crops and war equipment.

Have you ever realized the incredible wealth of fine arts in Indonesia, my friends? The diversity and richness of Indonesian art suggest a vast potential in the art world. It is our hope that the younger generation will continue to appreciate and preserve this cultural treasure, allowing Indonesian art to thrive and receive global recognition. That concludes this article, and I thank you for taking the time to read it. Goodbye!