The Craft Study Program of the Institut Seni Indonesia Bali (ISI Bali) conducted a Community Service Program (Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat/PKM) in the form of Basic Ceramic-Making Training for students of SLB Negeri 1 Badung at the junior secondary school (SMP) level, located on Jalan By Pass Ngurah Rai, Nusa Dua, Badung Regency, Bali, on Friday (January 30). The community service activity was attended by 15 students of SLB Negeri 1 Badung and was guided by lecturers involved in the program.
At the opening of the event, the Coordinator of the Craft Study Program of ISI Bali, Dr. Ida Ayu Gede Artayani, S.Sn., M.Sn., explained that the basic ceramic-making training constituted an implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, specifically in the field of community service, which is routinely carried out each year with varying themes and target groups. The training was not merely an artistic practice activity but also served as a highly beneficial learning medium, particularly for children with special needs. Through hands-on interaction with clay—shaping, pressing, and experiencing its texture—students were trained to develop sensory awareness, fine motor skills, concentration, and self-confidence.
Furthermore, the Head of the Craft Study Program emphasized that every work produced represented a process of learning, self-expression, and self-discovery. Each child is believed to possess unique abilities and potential. It is the responsibility of educators, facilitators, and educational institutions to provide a safe, enjoyable, and meaningful environment in which such potential can develop optimally. Craft art, particularly ceramics, offers an inclusive and humanistic approach to achieving these objectives. At the conclusion of her remarks, she expressed her appreciation to SLB Negeri 1 Badung for the collaboration and expressed hope that the activity would provide new experiences for the students and serve as an initial step toward opening sustainable skill-development opportunities in the future.
On this occasion, the Principal of SLB Negeri 1 Badung conveyed gratitude to the Craft Study Program of ISI Bali for its attention, concern, and partnership through the training activity. The principal also noted that the presence of the Craft Study Program of ISI Bali represented a tangible form of synergy between higher education institutions and special education in creating inclusive and meaningful learning experiences. The basic ceramic training activity was considered to hold significant value, as the process of recognizing and working with clay not only enhances artistic skills but also contributes to the development of sensory abilities, fine motor skills, focus, and self-confidence. Students were given opportunities to express themselves, learn through direct experience, and experience joy in the creative process. The school further hoped that students would gain new learning experiences, while teachers and assistants would acquire additional insights that could be developed in future instructional activities.
The stages of this community service program began with the introduction of ceramic materials and tools, followed by an introduction to basic hand-building ceramic techniques. The activities then continued with practical sessions in creating simple works such as pencil holders, small bowls, or free-form objects, followed by simple finishing and drying processes. The students participated enthusiastically in a cheerful atmosphere and were able to produce fairly good works in accordance with their individual abilities.
Photo: Students of SLB Negeri 1 Badung with their artworks, accompanied by teachers, assistants, and lecturers of the Craft Study Program, Institut Seni Indonesia Bali (ISI Bali), after the training session, Friday (January 30), at SLB Negeri 1 Badung.
Photo: Ceramic artworks created by students of SLB Negeri 1 Badung.
