Creative Spotlight: Grafis Nusantara’s Vol. 4 Book on Unpacking Indonesia’s Sticker Culture as a Reflection of Pop History

Indonesian sticker and label archive media Grafis Nusantara just released their latest book, Grafis Nusantara Vol. 4 – Koleksi Stiker Pop & Trendi. The book is more than just an archive of nostalgic visuals — it’s a window into Indonesia’s shifting cultural landscape from the 1970s to the 1990s. By tracing the roots of these vibrant stickers, the book uncovers how everyday graphics became a powerful form of visual expression, mirroring trends, societal shifts, and even political undercurrents.

A key highlight of this volume is the in-depth documentation of AMP Malang, a major sticker producer that played a crucial role in shaping Indonesia’s sticker culture. Through intimate conversations with Kusnadi and Eko Pujianto, the father-and-son duo behind AMP Malang, the book offers firsthand insights into the evolution of sticker production — from hand-drawn designs to mass distribution.

Beyond aesthetics, the book categorizes stickers by themes — pin-up girls, text quotes, cartoons, religious imagery, and brand influences — shedding light on how these designs reflect the aspirations, humor, and values of their time. Accompanying this deep dive, each copy includes a sample AMP Malang sticker, a set of collaborative designs, and an interactive cover, making it an essential keepsake for collectors and design enthusiasts alike.

By preserving these overlooked graphic relics, the book positions stickers not just as collectibles but as cultural artifacts, offering a fresh perspective on Indonesia’s visual history.

Inside The Book

Grafis Nusantara Vol. 4 – Koleksi Stiker Pop & Trendi, goes beyond nostalgia — it reintroduces Indonesia’s rich sticker culture with a contemporary touch. This edition is a testament to creative collaboration, bringing together Grafis Nusantara, the Bandung-based design studio Copyright/Reserved, and the sticker archive collective Easy Tiger. Their combined efforts ensure the book stays true to its archival roots while offering a fresh, modern perspective on Indonesia’s visual history.

Further elevating this release, local apparel brand Kamengski not only supports and publishes the book but also extends its reach through a merchandise collection. Inspired by the striking sticker designs featured in the book, Kamengski will produce t-shirts, stickers, and other collectibles, reinforcing the enduring influence of these graphics in Indonesian pop culture. 

This release marks an important moment in recognizing and celebrating a cultural phenomenon that, while ever-present in everyday life, has often been overlooked. By revisiting and reinterpreting these designs, Grafis Nusantara Vol. 4 not only preserves Indonesia’s sticker heritage but also repositions it as a significant part of the country’s design legacy.

“Our latest publication dives deep into the nostalgic aesthetics and visual language of vintage stickers, capturing a key moment in Indonesia’s graphic design history. As part of our ongoing effort to document and celebrate Indonesian creative heritage, we believe this book will resonate with designers, collectors, and cultural enthusiasts worldwide,” Hendri, co-founder of Grafis Nusantara, explained.

The book explores how these stickers have significance in Indonesia’s graphic design landscape. “By analyzing how stickers communicate briefly through simple narratives, engaging illustrations, bright colors, and their embedded texts and messages, we can understand how the values reflected in society have evolved from the inception of stickers to the present days,” the book stated.

It also recounts the lasting impact of stickers in popular culture:

Throughout various cultures, stickers have served as a medium of expression, reflecting different values and interests. From the book, stickers featuring male and female figures accompanied by text quotes often draw inspiration from the artistic styles of graphic novels or romantic comics. Others carry religious prayers, designed with great reverence to encourage noble behaviors and uphold spiritual teachings.

Meanwhile, stickers showcasing well-known characters or personalities highlight contemporary idols, particularly among children who admire cartoon figures. These stickers also serve as a tribute to popular musicians, capturing the admiration of their fans.

The appeal of stickers extends beyond children, resonating strongly with adults as well. Their influence lies in their ability to fit into compact spaces, making them more discreet than billboards, advertisements, graffiti, or murals. Despite their small size, they leave a notable impact in various settings. Their portability allows them to be easily distributed and displayed in both public and private spaces, subtly shaping the visual culture.

About Grafis Nusantara

Grafis Nusantara is an Indonesian sticker and label archive that aims to demystify Indonesia’s visual culture. Established in 2019, they strive to challenge traditional and institutionalized archiving practices through social curation and collaborations. Check out their archives through their website here. Grafis Nusantara is also active on Instagram. Tune in to their page to see more updates of their books! 

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