In a proud moment for local handicrafts and heritage, Desa Melikan — a village in Klaten Regency, Central Java — has been recognised at the national level for its distinctive pottery, winning top honours at the Anugerah Pesona Indonesia (API) Award 2025.
The village’s pottery (known as Gerabah Melikan) earned First Place in the “Cenderamata” (souvenir/handicraft) category, outshining a host of nominees from across Indonesia.
What sets Gerabah Melikan apart is its traditional production method: artisans use a putaran miring – a slanted pottery wheel operated by foot, along with time-honoured techniques that are virtually unmatched elsewhere.
In a recent interview with Kompas, one of the village’s potters, who has practiced the craft since childhood, explained how the wheel works; a bamboo-and-rope structure is driven by the foot to shape clay into bowls, jars and other items. In a single day, a skilled potter can turn out hundreds of pieces by hand.
The journey to this accolade began when Gerabah Melikan was shortlisted among the top ten nominees for the 2025 API Award’s Cenderamata category. Initial nomination was based on its unique technique and status as a living example of local heritage.
At the API Award ceremony, held this month, Klaten Regency received the trophy. The award reflects not only the beauty of the pottery itself but also the resilience of a local craft tradition and its capacity to generate pride in the community, while also providing a reliable source of income for its practitioners.
According to local officials, the win brings fresh momentum to efforts promoting craft-based tourism and small-scale manufacturing in Klaten. The recognition is expected to attract visitors interested in heritage crafts, traditional ceramics and slow, meaningful travel experiences.
The success of Melikan Village pottery underscores a broader trend in Indonesian tourism – one that values cultural authenticity, local community engagement and sustainable livelihoods. For travellers seeking more than just scenery, this is a chance to connect with the everyday lives, skills and traditions of the people behind Indonesia’s artisanal heritage.
Whether you’re an admirer of handmade crafts, a curious visitor eager to learn age-old techniques, or simply someone looking for a meaningful souvenir, Gerabah Melikan offers something unique.
This recognition shows that tourism in Indonesia isn’t just about destinations — it’s about people, heritage and the living traditions that make each corner of the archipelago special.
