Sekar Jagad Gallery & Creative Hub

Blog

A collection of stories showcasing artisans, innovation, and cultural heritage.

Osing traditional tourist house
History

August 7, 2026

Traditional Using House: Architecture That Holds Cosmological Values

Discover the remarkable transformation of Banyuwangi, from the last Hindu kingdom of Blambangan and the legendary origins of its name to becoming one of Indonesia's leading tourism destinations. Explore the history, culture, and milestones that continue to shape Banyuwangi's unique identity today.

Illustration of a view of the Osing traditional village in Banyuwangi with terraced rice fields and a view of Mount Ijen
History

August 6, 2026

From Blambangan to Modern Banyuwangi: Tracing a Region's Transformation

Discover how Banyuwangi transformed from the last Hindu kingdom on Java into an internationally recognized tourism destination while preserving its rich cultural heritage and Osing identity.

A mother and her two daughters took part in a mini batik workshop.
Batik

August 5, 2026

Workshops for Children: The Importance of Introducing Batik Early

A children's batik workshop is more than a creative activity—it is an opportunity to introduce Indonesia's cultural heritage through storytelling, art, and hands-on experiences. Explore safe batik techniques designed especially for young learners.

Banyuwangi hand-drawn batik made using natural dyes.
Batik

August 4, 2026

Natural Dyes in Banyuwangi Batik: A Sustainable Local Wisdom

Learn how natural dyes are bringing new life to Banyuwangi batik through locally sourced plants, traditional coloring techniques, and sustainable practices that protect both cultural heritage and the environment.

The bride is wearing traditional Osing wedding attire.
Culture

August 4, 2026

Osing Traditional Wedding: Procession and Philosophy

Discover the traditions of an Osing wedding in Banyuwangi, from the pre-wedding customs and ceremonial procession in Kemiren Village to the symbolic philosophy behind every ritual, offering, and traditional house.

 The youthful face of a Gandrung dancer.
Lagend

August 3, 2026

Osing Folktales Passed Down Through Generations

Discover the rich tradition of Osing folktales in Banyuwangi, from the multiple versions of the Sritanjung legend to the story of Semi, while exploring how these oral traditions preserve cultural values and face challenges in the digital era.

 Illustration of the Karangdoro Dam and the Sasak Gantung Bridge in Banyuwangi.
History

August 3, 2026

Colonial Traces in Banyuwangi: Historical Buildings and Sites Still Standing

Banyuwangi's colonial heritage lives on through historic bridges, dams, railway tunnels, plantation buildings, train stations, and old city districts. These landmarks reflect the region's transformation from the Kingdom of Blambangan to the Dutch colonial period and eventually into modern-day Banyuwangi.

An Osing woman in Kemiren village.
Culture

August 2, 2026

Efforts to Preserve the Osing Language in the Digital Era

As fewer young people speak Osing in daily life, digital initiatives such as online dictionaries, mobile apps, government revitalization programs, and social media are creating new opportunities to preserve Banyuwangi's indigenous language for future generations.

Kebo-keboan Alasmalang
Culture

August 2, 2026

The Kebo-keboan Ceremony: The Meaning Behind Banyuwangi's Unique Ritual

Kebo-keboan is one of the Osing community's most distinctive traditions in Banyuwangi, combining gratitude for the harvest, a ritual to ward off misfortune, and respect for ancestors. Preserved only in Aliyan and Alasmalang villages, the ceremony remains both an important cultural heritage and one of Banyuwangi's most unique cultural tourism attractions.