Creativity in Product Diversification: Kemuning Village at Bejen Fest 2024

JAWI, in collaboration with the Interior Design Department of the Indonesian Institute of the Arts (ISI) Yogyakarta, assisted the residents of Kemuning Village in preparing for the Product Diversification Exhibition at Bejen Fest 2024 (19/08). This annual event, held from August 20–24, is a signature celebration of the Bejen District, bringing together various villages to showcase their local pride.

A Step Forward: Applying the "Kemuning Sadean" Method

Do you remember the Kemuning Sadean initiative organized by JAWI and Bhumi Bhuvana? In Javanese, "Sadean" means selling. This program was designed to spark the spirit of the Kemuning residents in optimizing the potential of their local produce.

Through Kemuning Sadean, villagers didn't just learn to identify local potential; they gained insights into branding and promotion. Bejen Fest 2024 served as the perfect stage to apply those lessons. One standout innovation adopted by the local women’s group (PKK) was a circular economy experiment: customers who returned five plastic packages labeled "Kemuning Village Product" received a free young coconut ice. It’s a small but significant breakthrough in reducing plastic waste at the village level.

Local Materials with a Creative Touch

The collaboration between the villagers, JAWI, and ISI Yogyakarta focused on the exhibition booth’s visual appeal. The design principle was simple: "From the Village, For the Village."

Unlike previous years, the 2024 booth aimed for a traditional yet innovative aesthetic:

• Batik Ceilings: Residents collected various jarik (batik cloths), which were intricately arranged to create a stunning ceiling decoration and door frame. The non-uniform motifs accidentally created a highly aesthetic, eclectic look.
• Coffee Branch Displays: With guidance from ISI Yogyakarta students, residents repurposed coffee tree branches and buckets into product display racks. These branches, brought directly from a resident's farm, added a raw, organic touch to the booth.

The Path to Self-Sufficiency

This exhibition was more than just an economic opportunity; it was a moment for Kemuning Village to solidify its identity. Beyond their famous coffee, the booth featured diversified products such as candlenuts, honey, and various traditional chips—all sourced, processed, and packaged independently by the villagers.

This hard work and creative synergy between the village, JAWI, and ISI Yogyakarta truly paid off. On the final day, Kemuning Village was officially announced as the 1st Place winner for the Best Booth!

This victory proves that when local wisdom meets creative collaboration, the results aren't just sustainable—they're award-winning. Salam Lestari!

Collaborators: * Residents of Kemuning Village

• Interior Design Dept., ISI Yogyakarta
• JAWI (Javan Wildlife Institute)