Malang, en.SERU.co.id – Malang’s iconic Topeng Malangan are more than just cultural symbols — they’re becoming a powerful tool for economic independence and self-expression among children with disabilities.
The Sanggar Budaya Anak Nareswari recently held a hands-on workshop teaching children with special needs how to craft the traditional masks using resin. The program aims to equip participants with practical skills they can turn into income-generating activities while preserving local heritage.
Trainer Ndaru Lazarus said the session involved 15 children — 11 from the sanggar and four from Kelurahan Bumiayu. Many participants have Down syndrome or intellectual disabilities. The entire process was designed to be simple, safe, and tailored to each child’s motor abilities, with parents providing close support throughout.
“All stages were adjusted so they could participate according to their capabilities,” Ndaru explained during the training at Griya Kriya Topeng Ramah Difabel on Saturday (27/6/2026). Children wore plastic gloves as protection before pouring resin into molds.
The workshop is part of a broader, ongoing empowerment series. In May, the same group learned disability-friendly batik techniques on sampur (shawls), and a mask-painting session is scheduled for July.
Building toward a grand finale
Panitia member Brelliane Semesta Pratiwi said the activities will culminate in the Festival Sendratasik Topeng Malangan on August 1, 2026, featuring dance parades, sendratari performances, and a UMKM bazaar.
“This isn’t just about cultural preservation. We want to give them skills with real economic value that they can practice independently at home. Their creations will also be exhibited in public spaces,” Brelliane noted.
The program is funded through the 2025 Dana Abadi Kebudayaan under the institutional support category, backed by the Ministry of Culture’s Dana Indonesiana program, LPDP, and the Ministry of Finance.
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More than masks
For Sanggar Budaya Anak Nareswari, which was founded in 2017 and now has around 50 active members, art is a pathway to confidence, creativity, and independence. The studio partners with 27 institutions supporting children with special needs across Malang Raya.
“Limitations are not barriers for these children to create. Art becomes a space where they can show their best potential,” Brelliane said.
Through initiatives like this, the sanggar hopes to inspire more inclusive arts spaces for people with disabilities. Topeng Malangan, long a symbol of Malang’s heritage, is now also a powerful emblem of equality, empowerment, and equal opportunity.
