Preserving Tradition and Fostering Innovation: The Story of Keramik Dinoyo Village

TIMESINDONESIA, MALANG – Nestled in the heart of Dinoyo, a quaint village in Malang, Indonesia, lies the enchanting Keramik Dinoyo Village, where tradition meets innovation. At the helm of the Paguyuban Keramik Dinoyo, we find H. Syamsul Arifin and Juwadi, two dedicated individuals who are passionate about preserving the legacy of ceramics in their community.

In a recent talk show, Syamsul unveiled the remarkable journey of the ceramics industry in Dinoyo. Before the establishment of the village as a tourist destination, the surrounding landscape was primarily rice fields, blessed with fertile soil. The local farmers ingeniously utilized the available resources to craft pottery, resulting in functional items such as plates, glasses, bowls, and more, primarily for kitchen use.

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The Ceramic Era Begin

The turning point came in 1955 when the production shifted from clay pottery to porcelain made from white clay sourced from the South Malang region. This transition was prompted by a proposal from the Ceramic Research Center in Bandung, which led to the establishment of the Dinoyo Ceramic Factory.

Over time, the Keramik Dinoyo Village evolved into a hub for aesthetic ceramic artistry. It now produces decorative items like wedding souvenirs and ceramic vases that are not only utilitarian but also prized for their aesthetic value.

Making Your Own Craft

Beyond crafting ceramics, the village also welcomes tourists for a fee of 50,000 Indonesian Rupiah per person. A minimum of five visitors can enjoy a 60-minute tour where they learn about the intricate process of ceramic craftsmanship, from shaping to firing and decorating.

Visitors even have the opportunity to take home their own crafted piece, free of charge. Additionally, the Paguyuban Pengrajin Keramik Dinoyo is open to invitations to share their knowledge of ceramic production at external events.

"This Keramik Dinoyo Village has not only increased the income of the local community but has also made Dinoyo renowned as a thematic village through the exquisite crafts it produces," Syamsul proudly stated.

The Challenges

However, in the journey of developing Keramik Dinoyo Village, challenges emerged. One significant challenge was the waning interest of the younger generation in ceramic craftsmanship. "In today's era, not all children want to continue their parents' businesses. They tend to pursue their own dreams," noted Juwadi.

To tackle this challenge head-on, the Paguyuban Pengrajin Keramik Dinoyo collaborated with Dinoyo's youth organization (karang taruna) to involve the younger generation in the development of Keramik Dinoyo Village. This partnership aims to pass on the centuries-old tradition of ceramics to the youth.

Juwadi encourages the younger generation to preserve the heritage of Keramik Dinoyo Village by bringing in fresh ideas, both in terms of design and the production process. Through their creativity and innovation, they can ensure that the art of ceramics continues to flourish, bridging the gap between tradition and modernity.

As Keramik Dinoyo Village continues to thrive, it stands as a testament to the resilience of traditional craftsmanship and the adaptability required to pass it on to the next generation. It is a place where the past and present coexist, fostering a legacy of beauty and artistry that endures in the heart of Dinoyo.

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