Mastering Comfort: The Art of Blangkon Crafting by Supari of Kediri

TIMESINDONESIA, KEDIRI – In the quaint village of Jarak Lor, nestled in the heart of Kediri Regency, resides Supari, a craftsman who has dedicated himself to the art of crafting blangkons. Blangkon, a traditional Javanese headdress, has not only been an emblem of cultural pride but also a symbol of elegance and sophistication for generations. Supari's journey into the world of blangkon crafting was not merely born out of fascination but out of a desire for comfort and quality.

It all began with a quest for comfort. Intrigued by the intricacies of blangkon wearing, Supari embarked on a mission to unravel the secrets behind this iconic headwear. Dissatisfied with the blangkons available in the market, Supari took matters into his own hands. Armed with his grandmother's sewing machine and fueled by determination, he delved into the art of crafting blangkons.

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"Learning to make blangkons was a self-taught endeavor. Around 2016, I started with Yogyakarta-style blangkons and then ventured into Solo-style ones," Supari explained.

With the assistance of his child, Supari could produce three blangkons in a day. Over time, his production flourished, churning out an impressive 70 to 80 blangkons per month, all meticulously crafted within the confines of his home in Desa Jarak Lor.

Supari's craftsmanship did not go unnoticed. His blangkons found their way not only into the homes of Kediri locals but also reached far-flung destinations, including the city of Bontang in East Kalimantan, where he established a loyal clientele.

While demand surged, Supari remained steadfast in his commitment to quality. Each blangkon was a labor of love, meticulously stitched to perfection. The prices varied, ranging from Rp 100,000 for basic designs to Rp 250,000 for intricate patterns crafted from authentic batik tulis.

However, beyond the aesthetic appeal, Supari emphasized the importance of comfort in blangkon wearing. Rushed craftsmanship, he learned, only led to discomfort and dissatisfaction among customers. He recalled an incident where a disgruntled customer complained about the discomfort of a hastily crafted blangkon, prompting Supari to reflect on his methods.

"It was a lesson for me. Now, when making blangkons, I ensure to do it in a comfortable state of mind, with enjoyment, and without haste," he remarked.

Despite his mastery, Supari still sources his materials from Yogyakarta and Solo, where the finest fabrics for blangkons can be found. A single meter of fabric yields two blangkons, each a testament to Supari's dedication to preserving tradition while embracing comfort and quality.

Supari's journey exemplifies the fusion of tradition and innovation, where ancient craftsmanship meets modern sensibilities. Through his meticulous artistry, he not only crafts blangkons but also weaves comfort and elegance into every stitch, ensuring that each wearer experiences the true essence of blangkon, a literal Javanese heritage.

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