On the Ground in Ujung Kulon: Batik painting
Handicraft wizards with a dream
Here in Citangkil, inside the Park’s buffer zone, rhinos come to life in an unusual and colourful way. In the expert hands of Rachmat, the bare surface of the wooden rhino carving is slowly covered with intricate colour batik motifs. And each one is perfectly unique, attesting to the imagination of the artist.
Rachmat is a member of CANOPI, a youth group set up by WWF to build local support for the rhino and the Park in the buffer zone. Along with a few other persons from the area, he was given the opportunity a few years ago by WWF to learn the art of batik-making in Jogyakarta, central Java. Now, Rachmat and friends have refined their craft to produce fine results for sale.
Inside the group workshop, rhino carvings in a range of seven sizes are lined up to dry on the ground like little soldiers, waiting to be shipped to customers.
Right now, seven people are working on the carvings. Some orders are for specific events, such as conferences in hotels. In this case, the artists are required to portray a specific motif.Try this at home
Find out how batik rhinos are produced.
- Melt resin in a wok, until it becomes a black liquid.
- Use a pipe with a fine tip to apply the wax on the rhino carving.
- Dip the rhino 1 color for one minute (3 colors maximum are used)
- Dry for 1 hr
How it works
The business process is simple. Ninety percent of the income buys the carvings and the tools, while 10% of sale goes into Rachmat’s income. Considering the low price for 1 batik rhino (5,000 Rupiah – half a US dollar), the production needs are huge to make ends meet.
WWF-Indonesia is currently investigating marketing opportunities at a wider scale for these handicrafts, effectively providing Rachmat with a potential outlet for his production.
Other activities
Once a month, the CANOPI team visits schools for environmental education programmes. Their audience is generally 9-12 year olds, whom they teach about the role and importance of forests, water, the marine environment or waste, depending on the target group's location.
To prepare the teaching material, Odji collects background information on the problems he wants to talk about, so that he can explain the consequences of unsustainable behaviour. In turn, kids can explain the problems to their parents - bomb-fishing for example.
"We cannot change mentalities of everyone, but through our work we can set an example".
OdjiSmall motored boats called cekong have serious impacts on fisheries, corals and mangroves. Yet, some children boast that their parents carry out this practice. When Odji warns about the consequences of these actions, the children sometimes laugh it off. But despite the considerable work that has to be achieved in terms of changing mentalities, Odji knows that he won’t get anywhere by nagging and forcing his points. It’s all about little steps at a time, and he looks determined.
Looking ahead
When pressed about his ambitions for the future, Rachmat explains that he would like to learn more about color-mixing and train other people. But this would require more fresh money. While CANOPI is still in need of material support from WWF, the group also intends to seek funding from the province to continue its operations.
Odji, the more outspoken member of the group, says CANOPI has strong potential to develop alone. "We had no skills before forming CANOPI", he points out. Today, he is helping run a modest, yet important, conservation venture.He adds, "I have certainly grown with the experience".
And then, reflecting on the enormity of the task that lies ahead:"We cannot change mentalities of everyone, but through our work we can set an example".
