A monumental textile narrative takes shape by the coast as Novus Jiva Anyer unveils the Selingkung installation.
We often overlook the sheer volume of material left behind by modern textile manufacturing. Stripped of its original context, a discarded scrap of fabric seems entirely devoid of purpose. Yet, when thousands of these fragments are deliberately gathered, they can form a powerful visual narrative about human potential. From Thursday 21 May until Friday 31 July 2026, Novus Jiva Anyer hosts Selingkung, an art exhibition that directly confronts our relationship with waste and social inclusion.
The exhibition acts as a central piece of the resort’s broader campaign, The Way Forward, Knot by Knot. Positioned within the coastal property, the structure introduces visitors to an immersive environment constructed entirely from reclaimed batik scraps. This project represents a unique partnership between Indonesian contemporary artist Agnes Hansella and Precious One, a foundation dedicated to disability empowerment. Together, they have reimagined raw textile waste as a physical symbol of shared progress.
The physical structure relies heavily on the intricate geometry of the lucky knot, a historic symbol of prosperity and unity across global traditions. Artisans with disabilities from Precious One worked alongside Hansella to hand-tie hundreds of individual batik scraps. This repetitive, careful process shows how small actions can accumulate into a transformative public statement. The resulting form alters the physical space, forcing everyone who enters to move slowly and deliberately.
This project marks a distinct technical shift for Hansella, who is widely recognised for her large-scale macramé work. Selingkung represents her very first time integrating salvaged heritage textiles into her knots, bridging contemporary form with cultural memory. The texture of the old batik introduces varied patterns and deep tones to the ropework. This complex material layer honours the traditional artistry of the past while remaining firmly committed to modern sustainability.
The installation highlights Precious One’s long-term mission, founded in 2004 by Ratnawati Sutedjo. For over two decades, the social foundation has rejected pity, focusing instead on creating tangible economic opportunities for people with disabilities. Through structured production, specialised education, and active employment support, the organisation helps individuals build long-term independence. This large-scale public display brings their meticulous technical skills directly into the contemporary art spotlight.
Visitors are encouraged to engage with the physical structure rather than viewing it from a distance. The exhibition space invites people to tie their own knots directly into the evolving display or take a small handmade keepsake home. When the exhibition concludes in late July, the entire structure will be disassembled and shared with the public. This ensures the physical components of Selingkung continue their lifecycle elsewhere, proving that true community impact outlasts the brief duration of a gallery show.
Novus Jiva Anyer
Jalan Raya Anyer Carita
Banten 42167, Indonesia
T: (+62) 2150808131
E: rsv-jiva@novushotels.com
W:novushotels.com/novusjiva
IG: @novusjivaanyer
