TIMES HONGKONG, MALANG – In an era of mass-produced minimalism and factory-perfect ceramic. There is a distinct allure in the flaws of handmade ceramic. This appreciation for the authentic is what fuels the spirit of Kampung Keramik Dinoyo.

Kampung Keramik Dinoyo is more than just a center of ceramic's production. It is a living archive of craftsmanship, memory, and quiet perseverance—where clay becomes a language, and every ceramic piece carries the imprint of human hands and local history. 

This village have been inextricably linked for decades. Well before Malang gained fame as a hub of tourism, local families were already here, breathing life into raw clay. They crafted the plates, and ornaments that eventually became staples in households across Indonesia.

The appeal of Dinoyo’s ceramics extends far beyond the local community. In fact, the bulk of orders are routed through Bali, a strategic hub that connects these local artisans to broader national and export markets. 

Back in the workshops, however, the focus remains on the technique. The manufacturing process here involves a unique series of steps, where potters employ specific tools to mold the earth, turning simple clay into ready-to-use craftsmanship.

The making of ceramic begins with carefully prepared clay that is refined to achieve the right balance of strength and flexibility. Once ready, the clay is shaped by hand or on a traditional wheel, where craftman use skill and experience to form both functional and decorative pieces.

After being shaped, the ceramics are slowly dried and fired in a kiln to strengthen the clay before glazing is applied. A final firing sets the colors and textures, turning the pieces into durable ceramics.

“For us, making ceramics is not merely a job, but a way to preserve the heritage of our ancestors,” said Arifin, a local artisan.

Kampung Keramik Dinoyo has quietly transformed into a sanctuary for learning. It draws a diverse crowd—from curious students to seasoned art lovers—who arrive not merely to purchase, but to participate.

By opening their studio doors for hands-on pottery sessions, local artisans have turned the village into a living bridge, linking the curiosity of modern urbanites with the grounded traditions of the past.

It becomes a meeting point between contemporary urban curiosity and time-honored art knowledge. Through touch, trial, and conversation, visitors gain insight into the patience and discipline embedded in ceramic-making, while artisans pass on techniques and values rooted in generations of practice.

This quiet exchange turns Kampung Keramik Dinoyo into more than a destination—it becomes a living classroom where tradition is not displayed, but experienced.

Reporter: Muhammad Kamal Fasya