Batik Trusmi, Cirebon

The Wonderful of Batik Trusmi Cirebon

The most famous souvenir of Cirebon is Batik Trusmi. Trusmi, a village 5kms from the city is the centre of local batik production. There are more than 1000 workers or craftsmen batik. Batik workers come from several areas around the Trusmi village, such as from the Gamel village, Kaliwulu, Wotgali and Kalitengah.Batik is a traditional colorful piece of textile paint with natural motif. In traditional Javanese culture batik is an art full of life philosophy.

Trusmi Batik Cirebon has unique colors and techniques that are difficult to imitate by other regions, because the coloring is not only using the batik technique is quite complicated but the PH levels of water determines the success of a batik coloring process. This means that even if Garut mastering in batik Trusmi staining technique, but if done in Garut, the color will not be like the color of batik Trusmi. This is the uniqueness of batik Trusmi, besides having a good design, Cirebon batik is also supported by the staining technique and the water PH that is different from other regions.

Staining technique of batik is not as easy as painting on canvas. The color on a canvas can easily be controlled. The desired color can be easily generated and if the colors are not appropriate for example is too old or too young, it can easily be replaced. On the other hand, staining process on batik has a certain technique to produce a specific color. Beside, sense of color should be strong because batik color is produced by chemicals mixing that are aimed by processing water with a certain temperature, or batik boiling (pengelorodan) and soaking batik by sunlight.

Trusmi Batik Cirebon recognized by two types of color that comes from the manufacturers, the German-made color (named it, sol formula) and artificial colors or famous Japanese with Jawo formula and napthol. Both these colors are using a mixture of water as the diluents.

Staining generally divided into five Batik Trusmi Cirebon, batik Sogan, batik Biron, batik Bangbiru, batik Babarmas, and batik Tigo Negerian. The resulting color batik Sogan is beige and white with shades of black and brown isen-isen (filler). Biron blue color is taken from the main color of this batik. The simplest staining techniques Biron compared with other techniques because it only uses one-time process pelorodan and produce a single color.

In general, Cirebon batik includes into the coastal batik groups, however some are belong to the palace batik groups.  This is because Cirebon has two palaces; those are Keratonan Kasepuhan and Keraton Kanoman.  Based on the history, from these two palaces appears several Cirebonan classical batik designs, which are until now done by some rural Trusmi communities such as motif of Mega Mendung, Paksinaga Liman, Patran Keris , Patran Kangkung, Singa Payung, Singa Barong, Banjar Balong, Ayam Alas, Sawat Penganten, Katewono, Gunung Giwur, Simbar Menjangan, Simbar Kendo and others.

Some important things that can become a feature or characteristic that is also owned by batik Cirebon is as follows:

• Cirebonan Design nuanced traditional classical, in general, always involves wadasan motif (rock) on parts of a particular motive. In addition there is also a cloud-shaped decorative element (mega) on the parts that are adjusted with its main motif.
• Traditional batik Cirebonan has always been characterized by the color of the background (base fabric) that is younger than the color line on main motive.
• Background or base fabric is usually clean from black stains or colors that are not desired in the manufacturing process.
• Cirebonan batik motifs use of single lines and thin (small), approximately 0.5 mm with an older line of color compared with the background color. Because of the process of batik Cirebon is more superior in closing (blocking area), by using a special canting to make the process more dense.
• Dominant color traditional Cirebonan batik usually have a yellow color (Sogan pads), the basic colors of black and beige, or dark red, navy blue, basic black with a cream color or ivory fabric.
• Cirebonan Batik tends to choose some of the background fabric without filled with decorative shaped tanahan or rentesan (ganggeng plant-shaped ornament). Decorative shapes or rentesan tanahan is usually used by batiks from Pekalongan.
• Coastal batik strongly influenced by the character of the coastal communities which is generally have a soul open and receptive to foreign cultural influences. Developments at the present time, batik cirebonan is more colorful and uses lighter and brighter colors, and has various decorative shapes that combines elements of animals and other forms of visual diverse flora.

In a region with many foreigners around coastal usually transiting, anchored to happen different ethnic marriages (assimilation), the coastal batik Cirebonan more likely to receive from outside cultural influenced by immigrants. Hence, Cirebon batik is easier to meet or follow consumer tastes from various regions (more to the fulfillment of commodity trade and commercialism), and making the colors more attractive coastal batik Cirebonan using many colors. Cirebonan batik production at present consists of Batik Tulis, Batik Cap Cap and printed batiks.

Source : http://westjavatourismboard.info/destination/cirebon/batik-trusmi/

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Kelom Geulis, Tasikmalaya

The Actual Crafting From Tasikmalaya

Kelom Geulis is a typical clogs made ​​by the craftsmen in Tasikmalaya. Kelom Geulis made ​​of mahogany wood carving with typical Tasikmalaya embroidery. Motifs painted on kelom geulis is like drawn batik cloth. That’s why the process of making Kelom Geulis requires special techniques. Travelers can actually see Kelom Geulis in various places such as Rajapolah craft center, but the shape and the color offered is not as dynamic and as modern as Kelom Geulis that is sold in Gobras area. However, due to the difficult access, not many tourists come to this region. In addition, only 10 stores remaining that are still selling Kelom Geulis as primary commodities.

Source : http://westjavatourismboard.info/destination/tasikmalaya/kelom-geulis/

Picture Source : Google

Rajapolah, Tasikmalaya

Crafts Woven Pandan Center

Rajapolah is a district in Tasikmalaya Regency in the Province of West Java, Indonesia. The Subdistrict is well known for its handicrafts. Rajapolah is one of the most important subdistricts in Tasikmalaya Regency, both economically and culturally.

Rajapolah is situated in the middle of the drainage basin of northwestern Tasikmalaya Regency region. The subdistrict lied in a relatively low-laying ground at average height of 450 m and surrounded by Galunggung highlands to the west and Sawal highlands to the east. The land of the subdistrict is mainly gently inclined areas, from west to the east, as it slopes away towards the east exit channel of the basin, Citanduy River.

Located 17 km northeast of Tasikmalaya Regency’s capital Singaparna, the subdistrict comprises an area of 16.9204 km2, consists of 6.5917 km2 of dryland and 10.3287 km2 of wetland. It borders with Jamanis Subdistrict to the north, and borders with Ciamis Regency to the east as it lined with Citanduy River. On the south, Rajapolah is bounded by Cisayong Subdistrict, and on the west is bounded by Sukahening Subdistrict.

Rajapolah people, estimated population of 37,558 are noted for their traditional works, the handicrafts. They produced a wide range area of crafts, from decorative items such as wall hangings, rugs, jewelry boxes, picture frames, to functional goods, like baskets, bags, mats, racks, plates, sandals, and cushions. Their products are exported worldwide, mainly to the U.S., Europe, and some of Asia regions. Most of the artisans created their works traditionally with their hands through weaving, plaiting, and coiling, and commonly using simple and traditional equipment. Their creations are mainly made from natural materials, such as wood, bamboo, reed, cane (rattan), rush, water hyacinth, sisal fiber, ash-wood splints, jute cord, absorbent paper, pandan, mendong (straw), and other natural materials.

This craft centers sell various goods with unique design and attractive to international quality ranging from umbrellas, slippers, decorative lamps and others. Here also the visitors can buy goods from these crafts with variable values.

Layout sub Rajapolah not far from the volcano, the mountain Galunggung several rivers that drain into the sub-district and empties into the river Rajapolah Citanduy. This results in sub Rajapolah as a fertile area, so that a minority of the population lives from agriculture.

In addition to the geographical conditions of the above, districts Rajapolah bypassed the main highway that connects the city of Bandung to Tasikmalaya district and subdistrict Ciawi. There are also stations and railway lines. The highway also connects the area with the district Rajapolah Panjalu (below Ciamis district), the district and the district Cisayong Pagerageung.

Based on the strategic network traffic is then Rajapolah have a good line of communication for the development of craft woven pandanus, convenient and easy to bring raw materials to the market selling handicrafts.

As already mentioned above that the general population Rajapolah livelihood as farmers. With the development of craft woven pandanus so some farmers are looking for a job as a crafter for additional income. Usually woven pandanus working farmers during the dry season or the season after harvest. Among them are those who work as providers of raw materials (ingredients not yet finished), the material is ready if (semi-finished materials or sheet webbing), crafters and finishing power. In addition to the side there are also the livelihoods of those basic livelihoods as artisans’ woven pandanus.

Enterprises craft pandan has long occupied by part of the population from generation to generation in the location of production centers. Pandanus handicraft production activities done by using a simple tool that is very easily done by anyone including mothers household. Procurement of production and raw material of pandanus handicraft business pursued by the crafters. Raw materials and supporting pandan handicraft industry which is used by the crafters are: woven pandanus, fabrics, sewing threads, coconut shell buttons, glue, dye / polishing, varnish, resluiting, mines and cardboard.

Location pandanus handicraft production centers located in eleven villages in five districts, namely District Rajapolah, Cibalong, Cikalong, Cipatujah and Pagerageung. Largest production center pandan handicraft business is Rajapolah District.

Source : http://westjavatourismboard.info/destination/tasikmalaya/rajapolah/

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Magnificent Tebing Keraton, Bandung

Bandung’s Golden Sunrise Destination

Tebing Keraton is a new sightseeing destination in Bandung that recently famous after a lot of reviews on social media. Located only about 5 kilometers from Taman Hutan Raya Djuanda, precisely at Kampung Ciharegem Puncak, Desa wisata Ciburial, in the Cimenyan district.

From the cliff you can see amazing panorama of the forest and mountains. If you come in very morning, you’ll be able to view magnificent fog envelop the forest. When the sunrise arises, that’s where the magic moment taking place.

The cliff was not newly discovered. In fact, geologists have a proper name calling it the “Patahan Lembang” (Lembang fault) while local villagers call it by the Sundanese words of “gawir jontor” (“gawir” means cliff and “jontor” is local dialect slang for swollen lips).

The recent increasing popularity of the cliff with social-media buzz where thousand of visitors posting the location on Instagram. The locals seemed to welcome this official opening up of the cliff as a tourist destination last August, with best hopes that it will provide additional income for their economy.

“Keraton”, is unlike a grand palace where kings live but comes from the Sundanese term “karaton”, refers to nature’s captivating beauty, the natural richness and grandness of a beautiful landscape.

Source : http://westjavatourismboard.info/destination/bandung/magnificent-tebing-keraton/

Picture Source : Google

Ciletuh Geopark, Sukabumi

The natural landscape of ancient rocks with many waterfalls!

Ciletuh is a geopark located in Sukabumi, West Java – Indonesia, Ciletuh geopark has a fantastic view of the mountains, amazing climbing route, and unique local culture. A region that extent an area of 36 thousand hectares has a wealth of unique geological formation period of 100 million to 65 million years ago, nine waterfalls, and huge cliffs that form the amphitheater.

Where the turquoise sea hits the sandstone, incredible formations take shape, including a natural fortress, a famous black boulder locally known as Batu Nunggul and the brown sandy Legon Pandan Beach.

Nearby Kunti Island is also a geologic wonder, containing formations of pillow lava from an underwater volcanic eruption millions of years ago. The pillow-like stacks show the original direction of the lava flow.

Other types of rock with different shapes, patterns and colors constitute the island, often topped with colorful umang (snails). There is also a cave filled with guano from the bats that inhabit it.

Besides its geologic wonders, Ciletuh Bay has beautiful waterfalls called Curug Cimarinjung and Curug Kanteh. Though both offer the same picture-perfect view, the latter is easier to reach due to more developed access road and paths. A nearby warung (food stall) is always full of local youths ready to serve as tour guide.

Very nice place for a painter or a photographer for inspiration, as well as a haven for hikers and adventurers. This place is a vast park, so it takes a few days for you to enjoy the beauty. 

To find these ancient stones, one must venture to Ciletuh Bay on the Indian Ocean about six to seven hours by car from Bandung. After arriving in Ciletuh Bay, tourists usually make their first stop at Mandra Island, an uninhabited island with wild plants covering a hilly greywacke sandstone landscape.

Source : http://westjavatourismboard.info/destination/sukabumi/ciletuh-geopark/

Picture Source : Google