Ganjar Pranowo Taught How To Make Batik By Persons With Disabilities In Magetan

Ganjar Pranowo (Photo via Central Java Provincial Government)

JAKARTA - Simbatan Village in Magetan Regency, East Java, has now become famous to ASEAN. Here, there are many people with disabilities, but they have a superior MSME product called Batik Ciprat Langitan.

It was this story that caught the attention of the Governor of Central Java, Ganjar Pranowo. While on a working visit to East Java, Ganjar, who was accompanied by his wife, Siti Atikoh, took the time to stop by Batik Ciprat Langitan 'Sambung Roso', in Simbatan Village.

When Ganjar arrived, he was immediately greeted with the actions of people with disabilities who were producing batik. There are those who make batik using the gepyok, splash, lurik, and jumputan methods. Accompanied by the Regent of Magetan, Ganjar went around to see the batik production process in that place.

"What are you doing? Wow, you're really smart for a motive like this. It's really being beaten like that, yes, but it turns out to be good. How long did it take you to study?" Ganjar asked the disabled people who were making batik.

One person with a disability said that he had been working there for three years. He was taught by the manager and continues to learn.

"It's been three years, sir, because I was taught. Sir, if you want to try, you can, sir. Please," he asked.

Ganjar also took a small broom stick which was used to make patterns. He then dipped the broom in the hot night and struck it on a white cloth to make a pattern.

"Well, it's easy. But the results are good, you know, "said Ganjar.

Ganjar then went around to see the process of making batik by people with disabilities. Several times, he chatted with people with disabilities and managers regarding the batik process. There were about 20 people with disabilities in that place.

"We learned from Temanggung, Central Java, you know, sir. This is the result of your upbringing, we can also do this," said the head of Batik Ciprat Langitan, Maryani.

Ganjar was so happy to hear the news. According to him, good cooperation between regions should be improved.

“I am going to a batik making place with friends with disabilities in Magetan. And the results are great. It turns out that they studied at Temanggung, and now the results are extraordinary,” he said.

The people with disabilities who were there already had many batik techniques. Start gepyok, splash, lurikan and jumputan. Ganjar also bought a number of batiks that were finished and displayed in the shop.

“I am happy that many people now care about our brothers and sisters. If they are facilitated, have skills, then they can be independent. In the past, sorry, they were underestimated, now they are the backbone of the family. Great," he said.

Ganjar's visit to Batik Ciprat Langitan was enthusiastically welcomed by people with disabilities there. One of them was Wulan (22), who said she was happy to be visited by Ganjar. He really is a fan of the number one person in Central Java.

“I am very happy, happy to meet Pak Ganjar. It turned out to be true, Mr. Ganjar was friendly, handsome, and kind. I even asked Pak Ganjar to come to my wedding soon," he said.

Wulan also appreciated Ganjar's concern for people with disabilities like himself. According to him, people with disabilities need to be considered and given the opportunity to optimize themselves.

“Like now we can be like this. We can be independent, work to earn money for our needs. I'm happier now," he concluded.