Young Generation of Cepogo Copper Ready to Go Worldwide

Half of Cepogo\'s population of 9,000 people make their living from metal crafts. In the digital era, the creativity of the rural youths is ready to appear on the world stage.

KOMPAS/FERGANATA INDRA RIATMOKO

Workers make lampshades at the metalworking center of Tumang Village, Cepogo, Boyolali, Central Java, Saturday (11/4/2020). The Covid-19 pandemic has made handicraft orders in the region dropped drastically. Most of the handicrafts from the village are sold to Jakarta, Bali, and for export to various countries.

After being curbed by the ongoing pandemic, the younger generation of copper craftsmen in Cepogo, Boyolali, Central Java, continues to be creative. With the help of the virtual world, their innovations are getting increasingly diverse. Creativity is the mantra to penetrate the international market.

Clang, clang, clang… The loud sound of copper being forged by hammers was heard amid the dangdut koplo music from a cell phone at a copper craft workshop in Kampung Tumang, Cepogo, on Saturday (31/7/2021). As the morning air of the mountains still blanketed the surrounding area, five young men were already bathed in sweat. The strong smell of paint and thinner filled the room.