ITS Students Launch 'Gantari' as Indonesia’s First Cultural Blind Box

RRI.CO.ID, Surabaya - In a market dominated by imported blind box art toys, students from the Visual Communication Design Department at Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS) are carving out space for a distinctly local alternative.

Their creation, Gantari, unveiled during a recent exhibition at ITS' Visual Communication Design (DKV) Department, positions itself as Indonesia’s first cultural blind box series, blending collectible toy trends with the richness of Nusantara heritage.

Behind the project are I Nyoman Panji Wiradinata and Teuku Ariq Musyaffa, who designed Gantari around two cat mascots, Taka and Tara. Each figurine introduces traditional Indonesian attire in a playful, interactive way.

“We want to showcase local culture through contemporary methods,” Panji explained, as quoted on ITS' official website.

The duo’s concept taps into the psychology of collecting by offering varying rarity levels--Common, Rare, and Secret--mirroring global toy trends while embedding cultural storytelling.

The debut series features six costumes representing West Sumatra, Central Kalimantan, Jakarta, South Sulawesi, Bali, and West Kalimantan. Standing at 13.5 centimeters, the prototypes are crafted from solid resin, with intricate detailing painted by hand.

“We use acrylic paint and airbrush, while the fine costume details are applied with micro brushes as small as 0.1 millimeters,” Ariq noted.

Beyond aesthetics, the educational element is central. Each box includes a mini story card and a figure card, offering folklore and background on regional attire. The aim is to make cultural learning casual and enjoyable.

“We believe culture can thrive among younger generations when presented in fun ways,” Ariq added.

Looking ahead, the team plans to price Gantari at IDR 159,000 per unit, shifting to PVC for mass production. A second series is already envisioned, focusing on Indonesian mythology and legendary figures.

More than a student project, Gantari reflects a broader mission: to innovate responsibly while promoting local identity. In doing so, it aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 8 on Responsible Consumption and Production.

This initiative not only fills a gap in Indonesia’s collectible toy market but also reimagines how tradition can be preserved through creativity, play, and cultural pride. ***