In an effort to promote equity for children with Down syndrome in order to develop their artistic talents, the Performing Arts and Fine Arts Study Program at UGM, in collaboration with Desa Panggungharjo, Jogja Disability Arts, Ruang Anak, and Galeri RJ. Katamsi ISI Yogyakarta, organized a training program on creating Perintang Tepung batik for children with Down syndrome. Children with Down syndrome were chosen as participants due to their various challenges in developing motor skills, communication, and social abilities.
Dr. Budi Irawanto, S.IP., M.A., the chief of the program, stated that “children with Down syndrome have great potential to grow, especially when they receive the right support, opportunities, and guidance.”
He further explained that the Perintang Tepung batik’s technique was chosen because the process is relatively simple and safe for children. This method uses flour as a color barrier in the batik creation process, allowing children to freely express their ideas and imagination through the motifs they create. Additionally, Perintang Tepung batik is more accessible compared to other batik techniques, such as hand-drawn or stamped batik, which require more complex skills.
The training, which is part of a series of community service activities, was held on Saturday, September 21st 2024, and attended by 20 children with Down syndrome. During the training, participants received guidance from volunteers from Jogja Disability Arts. Each participant was also provided with a medium for their artwork, along with child-friendly dyes.
Meanwhile, in a separate session, parents of the participants attended a talk show featuring Dr. Budi Irawanto, S.IP., M.A., who discussed the topic of Art and Disability; Dr. Hilda Ismail, M.Si., Apt., who presented on the Health of Children with Down Syndrome; and Hosni Bimo Wicaksono, A.Md., who addressed the topic of Environments for People with Disabilities. The discussion was moderated by Trisna Pradita Putra, S.Sos., M.M. (a doctoral student at PSPSR SPs UGM).
The event became even more engaging as the batik works created by the children with Down syndrome were exhibited as part of the Ruang Anak exhibition at Galeri RJ. Katamsi ISI Yogyakarta. This exhibition provided a space for appreciation and helped build the confidence of the training participants.
Authors: Budi Irawanto and Surono