Jepara Students Showcase Traditional Woodcarving and Batik to Foreign Diplomats

JEPARA — Efforts to introduce Jepara’s traditional woodcarving and batik heritage to younger generations were showcased by SMP Negeri 6 Jepara to a group of foreign diplomats on Wednesday (Nov. 4, 2026).

The visit, part of the The Diplomatic Forum Jepara 2026 programme, also highlighted the school’s history, which dates back to 1956, when it was established as a vocational school specializing in woodcarving.

The diplomats watched students demonstrate traditional woodcarving and batik-making techniques. They also had the opportunity to try their hand at carving before visiting the Woodcarving Museum on the school grounds.

Fadil, a student in class 9E, said he had been learning woodcarving since eighth grade. Although he still found it challenging to carve intricate spiral patterns, he remained enthusiastic about developing the skill.

Lala, a student in class 8A, has been learning batik-making since seventh grade. She said she had encountered few difficulties during her training and hoped to continue developing the skill in the future.

SMP Negeri 6 Jepara Principal Siti Rosiyanah explained that the school had a long-standing history of teaching traditional woodcarving.

In 1956, the institution was known as the Woodcarving Technical School, where students learned woodworking skills and traditional carving techniques.

Although it has since developed into a junior high school, the institution continues to preserve these traditions through woodcarving and batik activities.

“Teach, practice, and pass them on,” Siti said.

Jepara Education, Youth and Sports Agency Head Ratib Zaini expressed hope that the visit would create opportunities for international educational cooperation.

Potential areas of collaboration include student and teacher exchanges, educational and cultural partnerships, and improved foreign-language proficiency.

In his remarks, Ratib reminded students not to lose sight of their cultural heritage while pursuing advances in science and technology.

“Do not forget our history, culture and national identity,” he told the students.

Denmark's Ambassador to Indonesia, H.E. Sten Frimodt Nielsen, praised the school's hospitality and the skills demonstrated by its students. He said education should go hand in hand with efforts to preserve cultural heritage.

“You are the future of Indonesia,” Sten told the students.

He further encouraged them to continue improving their abilities while remaining connected to their cultural roots.

Sten also took part in a woodcarving session alongside the students. He said he was impressed by the message that mastering traditional skills requires dedication and continuous practice.

At the end of the visit, the diplomats toured the Woodcarving Museum located on the school grounds.

Following their visit to SMP Negeri 6 Jepara, the delegation continued to Bandengan Beach, where they explored the coastal area and watched a traditional music performance.

The itinerary then continued to Octofest 2026, where the diplomats were introduced to Jepara's furniture industry, traditional woodcarving and local handicrafts.

Jepara Deputy Regent Muhammad Ibnu Hajar expressed hope that Octofest 2026 would create opportunities for international trade and partnerships for the region's furniture, woodcarving and handicraft industries.

He encouraged the diplomats to engage directly with local business operators to explore potential markets, investment opportunities and knowledge transfer.

“We hope this visit will go beyond simply introducing our products and develop into concrete, sustainable business relationships and partnerships,” he said.

The delegation subsequently visited the Jepara Regional National Crafts Council (Dekranasda) to explore products from the region's leading small and medium-sized industries.