Indonesia is home to 1,331 recognized ethnic groups and over 700 languages. Thus, it boasts a rich diversity of cultural typography with each region and province displaying its distinct styles and visual expressions.

This microsite, hosted by the Letterform Archive, will explore the evolution of the Indonesian language (Bahasa Indonesia) and its relationship with visual typographic aesthetics over time, reflecting both its colonial history and the resurgence of indigenous forms of expression.

For this project, I embraced a minimal and intentional design approach, focusing on clarity and subtlety. The restrained color palette and carefully selected typography complement the content, while the photography captures the essence and spirit of the subject.

An infographic representation of the microsite’s photo essay, showcasing vernacular typography from across Indonesia. It highlights distinct typographic characteristics based on regional and provincial geography, revealing how local culture and environment shape visual language.

Zine

This zine dives into the vibrant vernacular typography of street vendors (PKLs) in Surabaya, Indonesia. It explores the composition of stall cover designs, the key characteristics of PKL signage, and how these typographic visuals have evolved. Through this exploration, the project uncovers the powerful influence of Indonesian society and culture in shaping the country’s dynamic visual language.