YULS: GRAFFITI AND MATERNITY IN INDONESIA

We have already discussed the graffiti scene in Indonesia a few times, how it has progressed in a short time, and how it has become more sophisticated in cities like Jakarta and Yogakarta, for example. But today we want to meet one writer in particular and have her tell us how the scene works there, from her perspective. Yuls started painting in 2016 in Semarang, Central Java.
You have to remember that Indonesia has more than 17,000 islands and is the country with the largest Muslim population in the world. That influences many aspects of everyday life, including expectations and gender roles.

Graffiti  scene in Semarang

Semarang is the capital of Central Java, one of the 5 largest cities in Indonesia. And it is the center of trade and business. Although it sounds like a busy city, it is actually more relaxed than other big cities.
There are many graffiti writers here, but less than 10 writers who actively paint. This city is very good for the process. We can find many spots to paint.

I got to know graffiti when I moved from my hometown in Jepara to continue my studies in Semarang. My boyfriend is a graffiti writer and now he is my husband.
As far as I know, graffiti and hip-hop are intertwined here, but Indonesia has so many cultures and each graffiti artist has different tastes in music and activities. Including me, I don’t really understand hip-hop.
I see how my husband is very happy when doing and discussing graffiti and it rubs off on me. And the graffiti artists in this country support each other, the graffiti support system here is amazing. You can come and try it yourself, or maybe ask your friends who have been to Java, Indonesia.

“My biggest problem is free time. As a housewife, having time to paint is something rare. And my husband has to work extra to save money and buy spray paint for the two of us.”

Female graffiti writers en Indonesia

This question is very delicate. I will answer based on what I have experienced and this may not represent other women here. Women here have to be very careful about what they say and do, especially me as a Muslim. The downside of being a woman here is that it is more easy for us to be targeted by criminals, but the good thing is, again, the support system here is very good, we support each other in our daily lives. I am the only female graffiti writer in my city, but what I see in other cities like Jakarta is that there are quite a lot of female graffiti artists and they are connected and gather together. But I am not the type who likes to gather; some women like to gossip. And I avoid risks like that.
So far, graffiti has only been to fill my free time and refresh my mind, like an escape from the busyness of being a mom.

“At first I could only make lines, circles, and stars. And he said, ‘That’s enough, you just need to practice writing your name over and over again’.»”

Yuls’ background

Haha, I mention my husband too often, because it is because of him that I do this. Even though he paints in a complicated way, he always reminds me that graffiti is very easy and we can do whatever we want without rules. He said “graffiti is about having fun, not about being good and impressing others”. Before and maybe until now I have no talent in painting anything. At first I could only make lines, circles, and stars. And he said, “That’s enough, you just need to practice writing your name over and over again”. That’s why I can only make “Yuls” with the same pattern because that’s all I can do. But now I’m starting to include strange flower patterns as part of my graffiti, because I really like flowers and their colors. It’s work I’m happy doing, graffiti.

Graffiti: legal situation in Indonesia

Although there is a penalty of around 3 years for vandalism, the public here is relatively more open to graffiti. If it sometimes becomes a problem, I prefer to call it “unlucky”.
My biggest problem is free time. As a housewife, having time to paint is something rare. And my husband has to work extra to save money and buy spray paint for the two of us.

Paint & Spots

I often use local spray paint. In Indonesia, graffiti is quite rapid and well developed. There are several brands of spray paint that have started to make spray paint specifically for graffiti at affordable prices but with good quality.
After giving birth, I often paint in the backyard of the house but sometimes my husband takes care of the baby and invites me to paint on the street.

For me, all aspects provide their own pleasures, especially when looking for and making patterns and filling in the Yuls letters.
I have only painted in Semarang and its surroundings. But someday I will try in another city!
This is my first interview. Thank you for the opportunity to share my story. Hopefully I can paint better and more. See you in the real world. YuliYuls with love✌🏾