The Ministry of Culture Promotes Jepara Carving Art to the World through Books and Literacy Strengthening

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Culture encourages the art of carving Jepara to be better known internationally through the strengthening of literacy, research, and documentation. One of them is by launching the book "Reconstruction of Jepara Through Carving Art" which raises the history, philosophy, and development of Jepara carving art.

The book was launched in a series of exhibitions TATAH: Suluk, Sulur, and Jepara at the National Museum of Indonesia, Jakarta, Friday (10/7).

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon said that the Jepara carving art is not only a non-material cultural heritage, but also has great potential to be developed as part of Indonesia's cultural and creative economy industries.

"The preservation of the art of carving Jepara has great potential. The presence of this book is an important part of efforts to preserve, protect, and strengthen Jepara's position as the center of the world's carving art," said Fadli.

According to him, strengthening literacy is one of the important steps to maintain the sustainability of the art of carving Jepara, especially in the midst of declining interest of the younger generation in the craft.

He assessed that the TATAH exhibition was not only a space for appreciation of the works of craftsmen, but also a showcase of the achievements of the Jepara carving art which is full of historical and philosophical values.

Representing the team of writers, Arif Akhyat said the book "Rekonstruksi Jepara Melalui Seni Ukir" seeks to present a new perspective in understanding the journey of Jepara's woodcarving as part of the collective memory of the community.

"This book tries to explain how Jepara formed its identity through carving art and how that tradition continues to develop as part of people's lives," he said.

Jepara Regent Witiarso Utomo hopes that the book can be an inspiration for young generations to maintain and develop the art of carving Jepara.

According to him, the art of carving Jepara should not be seen only as a legacy of the past, but must continue to live and be passed down as a cultural identity that adds value to society.

The launch of this book complements the series of TATAH: Suluk, Sulur, and Jepara exhibitions that have been open to the public since April 29, 2026. The exhibition showcases various carved art works that record the long journey of Jepara as one of the largest carving craft centers in Indonesia.

The Ministry of Culture hopes that strengthening literacy, research, and documentation can strengthen the preservation of Jepara woodcarving art while encouraging it to develop as a living cultural heritage and competitive at the global level.