Paras Gempal Batik : Tradition in the Clouds of Kawah Ijen
Dawn of the Volcano: Irma Lumiga’s Paras Gempal Batik Shines at Kawah Ijen
Photography by Rahadi Purnawan
Behind The Scenes
It begins with a road trip under starlit skies. The team departs from Bali, crossing the strait to East Java in the early hours. Luggage tied down, headlights carving through the darkness, excitement builds with every kilometer. This isn’t just travel—it’s pilgrimage. A journey to stage fashion against one of nature’s most surreal backdrops: the fabled Kawah Ijen crater.
👗 Irma Lumiga & the Paras Gempal Batik
At the crater’s rim, Irma Lumiga—a celebrated designer from Banyuwangi—unveils her masterpiece: Paras Gempal batik. Rooted deeply in Banyuwangi’s culture, this motif reflects strength and resilience, carrying with it centuries of artistry.
An international model stands draped in Lumiga’s creation, the batik’s intricate patterns flowing like molten lava down the slopes. The fabrics, crafted in collaboration with Banyuwangi’s artisans, speak of heritage reimagined for the world stage.
“Every motif has a soul. Paras Gempal is our story of strength, told in threads and colors,” says Lumiga.
As Rahadi Purnawan lifts his camera, the scene transforms into a living canvas. The model’s movements are bold yet graceful, the batik unfurling in the crater’s morning wind. Behind her, the volcanic mist creates a surreal veil, while local dancers in vibrant costumes bring rhythm and life to the frame.
Each shot captures contrasts: tradition against modernity, stillness against movement, fire against fabric. It is not merely fashion photography—it is storytelling, cultural preservation, and art.
This photoshoot is more than an artistic statement—it’s a celebration of Banyuwangi’s cultural identity. Lumiga’s designs, showcased previously at Indonesia Fashion Week, reflect her commitment to elevating local batik onto an international stage. By collaborating with local SMEs and craftsmen, she ensures that each piece is not only couture but also a bridge between communities and global fashion.
At Kawah Ijen, this mission takes on dramatic form: batik against a volcano, heritage against the horizon, culture standing tall in the world’s gaze.
When the shoot wraps, exhaustion lingers—but so does pride. The journey from Bali, the midnight climb, the biting sulfur air, all melt into a memory sealed in photographs. For Irma Lumiga, for Rahadi Purnawan, and for every artisan whose hands shaped the batik, this is a testament: Banyuwangi’s heritage is global, powerful, and eternal.