The Story of Trimah, a Disabled Artisan Who Paints Batik with Her Feet

TheIndonesia.co - Becoming a Batik artisan has never been in Trimah's dream. Curiosity led her to the world of batik, Indonesia's typical fabric, though she has a handicap.

31 years old Trimah was born in Magelang, Central Java, without hands. Because she doesn't have hands, she makes Batik with her feet.

Batik is a technique of wax-resist dyeing applied to whole fabric, or fabric made using this technique. A spouted tool called canting is clamped between her toes. Then, she swings her legs to make the patterns.

"I started painting Batik in 2014, but I had learned it since 2010 using my feet. For me, Batik is a treatment to control my emotions and temperament. Besides, I can also make money," said Trimah on Monday, November 6, 2021.

She was curious after seeing others making Batik. At that time, she thought that she could do it with her feet.

However, the journey was not easy at all. She faced many failures. At the end of the day, her curiosity overcame her feeling of giving up.

She was also determined to make money for herself to live independently. In the process of learning, she was supported by the people around her. Now, she is widely known as a Batik artisan who makes Batik with abstract motifs and bold colors.

Nowadays, Trimah has a Batik brand named Samparan. It means foot in the Javanese language. Her Batik is sold through social media such as Instagram and Facebook. Customers could also request colors and patterns. 

Trimah hopes that her work can inspire many people not to give up despite their disabilities. Besides working as a Batik artisan, she also works as an assistant partner of the Yakkum Rehabilitation Center (PRY).

On December 4, 2021, her Batik work and several other disabled friends are featured in the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD) commemoration, which is broadcast live via YouTube Kita Muda Kreatif.