Beji Village, Patuk, Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta, is now filled with new enthusiasm thanks to the creative and cultural initiatives initiated by UNY Fine Arts Education students. Through the “Berbinar Kreatif (Wayang Kardus or Used Cardboard Puppet)” and “Berbinar Batik”(Batik Production) programs, the village is re-exploring local wealth while promoting environmental awareness and community economic empowerment.
Beji Village children are actively involved in the Wayang Kardus program, which teaches them how to make puppets (wayang) from used cardboard boxes. This activity not only trains creativity, but also teaches the importance of recycling and protecting the environment, while nurturing a love for local culture. On the other hand, the women in this village participated in batik training in the Berbinar Batik program guided by the PPKO Team of the Student Association of Fine Arts Education UNY. This training provides batik skills, from drawing patterns to coloring techniques, with the hope of creating quality batik products that have economic value.
Both programs have had a real positive impact. Children become more creative and care about the environment, while village mothers get new economic opportunities through batik skills that can help the household economy. Not only that, the Berbinar Batik program also has a vision to create a typical Beji Village batik motif, which not only strengthens the village's cultural identity, but can also attract tourists and expand the local batik market.
Beji Village is now rising with new energy, thanks to the synergy between creativity, cultural preservation and economic empowerment. These programs are a concrete step in reviving the village's traditional heritage while providing brighter economic opportunities for its residents.
