Ibnu Pratomo
Founder
Ibnu Pratomo is the pioneer of Yayasan Pijar Menempa. His journey in blacksmithing began out of simple curiosity, striking iron at the ITB Sculpture Studio in 1999. This interest led him to pursue serious study, from becoming an apprentice (cantrik) at a traditional forge (besalen) in Solo to studying bladesmithing in Belgium, transforming a hobby into a movement to preserve forging culture.
Journey
1999: Started self-taught blacksmithing experiments at the Sculpture Studio, Faculty of Art and Design ITB.
2005: Researched the keris for his master's degree and apprenticed as a cantrik at a traditional forge in Solo.
2007-2012: Formed the Power Arms group, which later evolved and was officially established as Pijar Komunitas Menempa Indonesia.
2016: Studied bladesmithing in Belgium and began formulating a basic blacksmithing curriculum.
2020-2026: Initiated the Forging on the Road expedition, guided Pijar's transformation into a foundation, and finalized the educational curriculum system.
Philosophy
Ibnu's forging philosophy is rooted in the creation of pamor (pattern welding in a keris). Different types of metal are heated until they glow (berpijar), then forged together to form a pattern. For him, Pijar operates on the same principle: it is not just about uniting iron, but uniting the thoughts, spirit, and diversity of the people within it.
“Forging is not just about uniting metals, but uniting thoughts, spirit, and diversity.”