thesilkroadtoday
Based on the note of Professor Nezih Maruf
In a new cultural note highlighting outstanding figures in traditional craftsmanship, Professor Nezih Maruf has drawn attention to the remarkable journey of Indonesian artisan Pujo Nugroho, describing him as one of the most innovative contemporary masters in the field of basketry and handmade crafts in Southeast Asia.
Born in Indonesia in 1980, Pujo Nugroho has built an extraordinary artistic and entrepreneurial career that bridges indigenous heritage with contemporary design. Since 2009, he has been the owner and creative force behind Borneo Ethnic, a company dedicated to transforming traditional purun and rattan materials from Kalimantan into sophisticated handcrafted artworks.
Beginning in 2009, Nugroho devoted himself to preserving and reinventing the traditional basketry arts of Kalimantan. By 2010, his creations had already entered international markets, reaching countries such as Denmark, Netherlands, Italy, United States, Hong Kong, Brunei Darussalam, and Malaysia.
Beyond his commercial success, Nugroho established an association dedicated to purun craftsmanship, aiming to elevate the art form at both domestic and international levels, while empowering local artisans and safeguarding an important cultural tradition.
One of the most iconic products in this tradition is tikar, the traditional Indonesian woven mat. Purun grows abundantly around local homes, making it not only a natural resource but an integral part of daily life and cultural identity.
Professor Nezih Maruf also highlighted Nugroho’s active participation in major international cultural platforms. Among his notable appearances are the Tabriz International Festival for Artisans and the Baku International Award for Innovation and Creativity held in Tabriz in 2017, followed by the 1st Baku International Award for Innovators in Handmade Products in Baku in 2019, organized within the framework of the Baku International Festival for Artisans.
Today, Pujo Nugroho stands not merely as a craftsman, but as a cultural ambassador—proving that when tradition meets innovation, local heritage can speak to the entire world.
