Uwan Urwan

Situbondo, a regency rich in natural resources—from the sea to the forests. So much potential to explore! I have this dream. It’s one that has tugged at my heart for as long as I can remember. I want Situbondo to be recognized not for accidents, disasters, or sensational news, but for the brilliance of its people and the beauty of its villages. I want Situbondo to grow, hand-in-hand with its community, utilizing knowledge and natural resources and uplifting the potential of its people. This dream took me on a journey across East Java. I visited Bondowoso, with its vibrant organic village, and heard stories of communities across the region, each one building something beautiful, transforming quiet villages into destinations of sustainable, meaningful tourism. Recently, I encountered the inspiring story of Sulthan Alfathir and his remarkable project, Wisata Kampung Inspirasi, in Lamongan. Just imagining sharing his story fills me with excitement—it’s a story that can spark change and ins

I feel like when I wear batik, I look more elegant and even more handsome. Haha! I have to admit, there was a time when I considered batik to be old-fashioned. The designs didn't appeal to me, and I saw it as something my parents or grandparents would wear on formal occasions. But everything changed for me on October 2, 2009, when UNESCO officially recognized batik as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Suddenly, batik wasn’t just a piece of cloth anymore; it was a symbol of identity, culture, and pride for the Indonesian people. Designers started experimenting with patterns, and batik garments became more fashionable. I found myself buying batik shirts to support our cultural heritage, and my love for batik grew deeper as I discovered the beautiful artistry behind it. Batik, with its intricate techniques, symbols, and cultural significance, has been a part of Indonesia's identity for centuries. It wasn’t long before batik from various regions, including my hometown of Situbondo,