Who doesn’t know Borobudur? Nearly everyone in Indonesia has heard of it, and many have visited. As an area, Borobudur is famous not only among domestic tourists but also international visitors. Beyond iconic landmarks like Borobudur Temple and Punthuk Setumbu Hill, the villages around Borobudur District also attract much attention.
One of these villages is Karanganyar Tourism Village, located in Borobudur District, Magelang Regency, about 3 km west of Borobudur Temple. Access to Karanganyar Tourism Village is convenient, with well-maintained roads and various transportation options available, such as horse-drawn carriages, motorbike taxis, and public transportation.
The natural scenery around Karanganyar Tourism Village is stunning, featuring rolling hills, towering mountains, and lush green rice fields that soothe the eyes.
Famous for Its Pottery Craft
As Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, remarked during his visit, “What’s unique about Karanganyar Village is its renowned pottery craft, making it a distinct attraction for tourists.” It’s no surprise that Karanganyar Tourism Village was named one of the Top 50 Tourism Villages in the Anugerah Desa Wisata Indonesia (ADWI) 2021 competition.
Did You Know?
Pottery crafting in Karanganyar is believed to date back to the construction of Borobudur Temple, around the 8th century AD. Generations of villagers have passed down this tradition, and even children are skilled at making pottery—especially girls, who traditionally learn this craft as part of their upbringing. Almost all residents of Karanganyar Tourism Village are skilled potters, with many relying on pottery as their primary livelihood.
From Tradition to Attraction
Beyond preserving tradition and culture, pottery crafting has become a tourist attraction in Karanganyar Tourism Village. For only IDR 25,000, visitors can try their hand at making pottery and take home their creations. During the pandemic, domestic tourists have flocked to the village to enjoy leisure time or learn the craft.
The popularity of Karanganyar pottery has led to orders from both local and international buyers. The most sought-after products include lamps, flower vases, tableware, and souvenirs.
Peek into the Pottery-Making Process
Creating pottery is no simple task. Clay is mixed with sand and goes through several steps, including milling, molding, drying, and firing, before being shaped into the desired object. The pottery is fired three times for perfection, using traditional straw-fueled kilns.
The price of pottery items varies based on their complexity. Before the pandemic, Karanganyar villagers sold at least 600 pottery items daily. Even during the pandemic, orders from outside the region continued to sustain local artisans. In dry seasons, a single potter can produce at least one pottery item per day.
Travel Tips
If you plan to visit this tourism village, don’t forget to wake up early to catch the breathtaking sunrise over Borobudur Temple, with Mount Merapi and Mount Merbabu as the backdrop. This stunning view can be enjoyed near the Karanganyar Village Hall, paired with a warm cup of coffee to jumpstart your day.
Karanganyar Tourism Village also features a community gallery supported by UNESCO and the Village Economic Hall (BUMN). Here, you can explore various handmade crafts and local delicacies created by the residents of Borobudur.
For those who want a hands-on experience making pottery, ensure you are vaccinated and remember to follow health protocols by practicing the 6M measures: wearing masks properly, washing hands with soap, maintaining distance, avoiding crowds, limiting mobility, and refraining from eating together.
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Happy trip planning!
