There’s more to Indonesia than just Bali! Though the Island of the Gods tends to garner much of the global spotlight, in reality, Bali makes up but a fraction of diverse Indonesia: Bali has a population of some four million, whereas Indonesia is a country of over 270 million people.
On a global scale, Indonesia stands out as one of the most diverse countries in the world. Here, we explore the beautiful art and handicrafts which reflect the cultures and peoples that make up this vast nation.
Batik
Batik is one of Indonesia’s most famous exports and one that’s been recognised by the United Nations. In 2009, UNESCO included Indonesian batik in its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This was considered as something of a victory for Indonesia, as Indonesia and Malaysia have long been feuding over which country batik originates from.
Indonesian batik refers to cotton and silk garments and textiles which are dyed using hot wax to create intricate patterns. The patterns represent a variety of influences spanning across continents and through generations. Read more about the art of batik making here.
Batik has played a central role in Indonesian culture throughout generations and is intertwined with important life events from marriage to funerals and beyond. In recent years, the Indonesian government has also encouraged local people to wear batik on Fridays to promote the nations traditions.
Batik is just one of the textiles Indonesia is famed for. Another stunning example is ikat, the intricately woven fabric originating from the island of Sumba.
Wood Carvings
Intricate wood carvings can be found throughout Indonesia, with Bali being one of the most prominent locations for this artful tradition. In Bali, detailed carvings can be found from everything from furniture to knick-knacks and of course, the much Instagrammed Balinese doors.
Initially, wood carvings were associated with Bali’s spiritual practices, with decorative doors and figurines widely used in religious ceremonies. As time passed, local artisans started to create wood carvings for artistic and commercial use, too. Today, wood carvings are among the most popular mementos to bring back home from the island. Besides Bali, Java and Papua are famed for their wood carving traditions.
Another example of masterful timber craftsmanship is the joglo style architecture native to the island of Java, which neighbours Bali. You can also see these joglo influences in some of our favourite villas in Bali, including Villa Zelie and the palatial Blue Karma Villas.
Furniture
Anyone who’s ever visited a traditional home or a meticulously preserved villa in Indonesia has surely been captured by the stunning interiors and furniture on display. Antique lovers will be dazzled by furniture harking back to the colonial era – though we are more partial to traditional furniture of the archipelago itself. We love classic Balinese day beds and swoon over carved Javanese doorways and headboards.
Another take on Indonesian antique furniture are the new pieces crafted from age old materials. Stunning examples include antique doors repurposed into tables or room partitions, and of course, reclaimed boat wood reimagined as chic contemporary furniture.
If you’re in Bali, there are some fabulous antique retailers on the island, including Ikat Gallery in Kerobokan.
Paintings
An age-old meeting point of sailors, merchants and adventurers from far and wide, Indonesian culture has always drawn inspiration from across the globe, and the nation’s artful traditions are no exception.
Balinese painting in particularly was influences by the arrival of Western artists in the early 20th century, Walter Spies most prominent among them. But it would be a great disservice to say that Western artist are to “thank” for the island’s rich painting traditions – painting has always been a part of Indonesian art, with roots dating back literally thousands of years. Today, Ubud is commonly referred to as the cultural heart of Bali and the village and its surroundings are dotted with artists’ studios and small galleries.
In Bali, the best museums for appreciating local Indonesian art include Agung Rai Museum of Art and Neka Art Museum, both of them located in Ubud. For purchasing contemporary Balinese art, we highly recommend visiting Purpa Fine art Gallery Kerobokan.
