Handycraft of Batu

Batu is well known as the center of handycraft in East Java. One of it is Batik industry in Sisir village, Batu subdistrict. There are three centers of it, namely Sanggar Butik Olive Batik, Raden Wijaya, and Semar. Batu’s Batik has a special character as the potential of its area, such as apples, vegetables, flowers, and coins.

Besides Batik, Batu also has traditional handicraft called as cobek-a kitchen equipment for blend the spice manually. Cobek is made from stone, so it is a little hard. You can find the centre of cobek in Rejoso of Junrejo village that is very familiar since the independence era.

There is onix handicraft that is located in 130 Mertojoyo St. Dadaprejo of Junrejo area. This handycraft has been exported to some foreign countries. This industry often joins a handicraft expo in Indonesia. You will find many creative design of onix, such as fruit basket, miniature of house, statue, etc.

Various earthenware vessels craft also exist in Batu, such as antique vessels, statue, etc. Those products are mainly sent to Bali, Malaysia, and Malang. Those are used for the need of traditional ceremony.

Batu has a traditional music instrument named as Gong. It is produced in Junrejo village in Munaji’s house. Although he is old enough, 81 years old, he is still able to make Gong. His gong is usually being the part of a complete java’s music instrument. Even more, his creative work has been exported to other countries.

Historically, this handicraft was set up by Munaji in 1945. Formerly, he just learns to make farm tools. Then, it is developed into gong. Now, he is famous up to Europe as his unique gong. His gong succeeds to make a harmonious tone in the production process. Beside gong, Munaji also produces gendang as the part of gamelan.

In this cool city, there is the one who is skillfully making violin. His name is Moestafidz Chaeroni. The quality of his violin can be the same as European making. He started to make violin in 1982. He went to Jakarta with his Italian friend, Alviano, to learn music deeper. Since that time, he learnt hard about piano, guitar, violin and other string instruments. Finally, he can make a good violin. He got many orders. Now, he has produced hundred of violins in various price starting from 1-3 million rupiahs.