PRODUK KAMI TERSEDIA DI

Written on 07 July 2023

By: Wima Brahmantya

One of the facilities owned by De Karanganjar is a hall for meetings or gatherings. A few days ago the Tan family held a family reunion, I know some of the members because they are Blitar people, but there were also those who came from out of town and even abroad.
Then one of my family members chatted with me and introduced me to a gentleman who lived in Bandung. He was introduced to me specifically because he was also an artist, a comic artist to be precise.
Hearing his medog Javanese language, I knew he wasn't originally from Bandung.
"Yes, I'm originally from Malang, Merbabu Street (or Galunggung, I forget)".
"Lho, tonggoan with me sir, I'm in Ijen".
It turns out that we were both born and raised in Malang.
"Do you know Aji Prasetyo sir?", I mentioned the name of my friend, a comic artist and cultural figure from Malang.
"Yo, I know him very well. He also learnt comics from my book: 14 Ways to Make Comics.."
Huh?!
"Sik sik sik... this gentleman is Toni Masdiono, right?"
"Yes."
"Masha Allah.. a minute sir!", I immediately ran to the house.
I came back with the book "14 Tips for Making Comics" that I've had since (if I'm not mistaken) 1999. Yes, this is one of the most valuable books for me, because I learnt a lot of comic techniques here.
"Sir, I have several mini-library spots here. The one in the Cafe has good books, but I'll let it go if someone steals them. The ones in Roemah Lodji Museum are expensive and quality books. So you can't lose them. The ones in my boudoir are books that I have an emotional connection with. For example, Asterix comics, Tiger Wong, and of course the book 14 Tips for Making Comics. I even took this book from the toilet (you know what's the meaning)."
I don't know what was going through his mind as he just smiled and signed the front page of the book.
"Panjenengan is indirectly my "teacher". Ngomik teacher. After years of reading his books, I can only meet him now, which is funny if you think about it."
After that we had a long chat at OG Cafe about comics and films, especially those made in Indonesia. He didn't really follow the reunion.
I also 'vented' that my dream of becoming a comic artist had failed to materialise. One of the reasons was the 'comic style'. In the 2000s, the most popular style of comic was the Japanese manga style. I studied manga techniques hard, until one day I thought "why can't I develop my own style of ngomik, at least an Indonesian style of ngomik". I finally put down my pen, and turned my focus to becoming a musician.
But I also failed in my music career. But there is wisdom in that. If I had succeeded in music and stayed as an artiste in Jakarta, I would not have managed this De Karanganjar Coffee Plantation.
Btw, I would also like to say a special thank you to Eko Mardiono who recommended this book when we were in high school 😄.
#dekaranganjar #dekaranganjarkoffie