Indonesia has more than its numerous rice fields and the Wayang shadow puppet shows. The traditions and influence from the Dutch give rise to Indonesia’s form of sequential art, Indonesian Komiks. The Komik is a medium that shares traits with other forms, but there are some unique qualities.
Indonesian Komiks Origins
Regular visitors already know that most comics come from jokes on drawings; komiks are slightly different. The first instances come from Javanese and Balinese scripts passed down through the ages. Proper comics appear in the Sin Po magazine with influence from the Dutch and Sumatra. That’s barely 10 years after Indonesian became the official language. Gag cartoons and ads would help decorate the emerging Indonesian literature. Unfortunately, unlike most countries whose comics help reflect the need for independence; there were not many opportunities to do this. The Dutch’s authority kept them at bay; some comics even reflect how some characters had to assimilate to the Dutch. At least until Imperial Japan’s takeover.
By the fifties, Indonesia achieves a great triumph; though not as groundbreaking as its independence. Newspaper comics begin to emerge during this time, spearheaded by Kissah Pendudukan Jogjakarta. Unfortunately, there comes a problem that persists in Indonesia to this day; the inclusion of American imports. The Tarzan comics were the most popular imports at the time. Soon Chinese legends became part of the process. By the time superheroes start to appear, some artists decide to modify them to suit the local tastes. For example, Raden Ahmad Kosasih the “Father of Indonesian Komiks” redesigns Wonder Woman to create Sri Asih.
The Golden Age of Indonesian Komiks
Researchers argue on whether it is the 60s or the 70s when the age of komiks come full swing. Regardless creators wanted less imports and more distinctly Indonesian content. Titles such as The Blind Swordsman from Ghost Cave are cultural hits; Pencak Silat comics reign following this example. Other times creators tried to adapt the wayang stories with R.A. Kosasih earning his title.
Unfortunately, a lot of fans like to point out that this is not really a period of development. Most of the time, the publishers are just trying to imitate successes from the imports. It certainly doesn’t help that “quality control” with publishers see this as the proper way to generate sales.
Epic Hindu Komiks
The only formats that are even remotely Indonesian are from depictions of the Hindu tales. Where most comics in Indonesia appear in newspapers and magazines, these more often use book forms. It certainly tells a more cohesive story and avoids spoilers; otherwise readers would just need to look at the numerous texts. One of the most famous of these stories is the Mahabharata.
Japan’s Second Invasion
In the present day, manga usually dominates most book stores that sell comics. It’s not that local komiks cannot compete with manga, there are a lot of independent writers and artists making them. For example, 1997’s first prize winner in National Comic Week, Ayam Majapahit. Publishers just don’t want to take risks with their money. With brands that go across media from TV to video games it makes sense for publishers to focus on them. American and European comics also appear, but not as regularly as manga.
A Game of Copycats
In today’s time most artists are still trying to copy the success of other comic mediums. Some artists try to capture the more realistic styles found in American comics; others try to imitate the art styles from manga. Thanks in no small part to the internet, many artists and writers create their own content to publish. Unfortunately, without a means of recognition by the public and current industry; creators need to make use of alternative solutions.
Fans Yesterday, Komikus Today
Ironically some artists have gone onto working for the big two American publishers. Ario Anindito in particular makes use of Indonesian iconography in his art. Naturally it’s not enough to just work for major companies, passions need to be on display. Some fans have come together to create exhibitions of their work for all to see. From Dunia Komik to the Europalia Arts Festival, creators display their work for all to see.
Being independent also means using more personal means of supply and demand. Creators often make use of photocopiers for duplication while distribution is usually through exhibitions. Alternatively social media and the internet provide a viable alternative. The artwork is very diverse allowing for different styles.
Breaking Through the Borders
While it’s all and good that Komiks regain their place at home, it’s also important to spread out internationally. My first exposure to Komiks actually came in Line Webtoon during a contest. The title Garudayana presents some intrigue about a Wayang-style adventure about a treasure hunter and a baby Garuda. The first three chapters were just not enough for me though. I searched through the net to find more about the work by Is Yunarito. That’s how good the story is.
Unfortunately I have little expertise in the Indonesian language, so I had to stop there. But that would not be the end of international komiks. One day the webcomic Raruurien became featured on the platform Hiveworks. The artwork was no less amazing, it even won a Bronze award for international manga. With themes of family, assimilation, and parts of Indonesian culture; it felt like a dive into Indonesia.
That wasn’t the end though. One final surprise appeared as if answering my desires to revisit Garudayana. CIAYO Comics came to my attention featuring comics straight from Indonesia. After downloading the app onto my phone, I found a whole plethora of titles ready to view. I guess those creators took a page from Korea’s Webtoons.
Foreseeable Future for Indonesian Komiks
Right now Komiks are still having a hard time inside the borders of Indonesia. No one is willing to take the chance to put local talent on their book shelves. But that doesn’t mean the creators are giving up. They are a people who will get their stuff out into the world through any means. Some companies even follow suit with apps like Kwikku. Like any people they have their own stories to tell and share with the world. The only thing people have to do is look and enjoy.