Sekala 369: Preserving Indonesian Heritage Through Contemporary Tattoo Art
Founded in 2018 in Kerobokan, Bali, Sekala 369 is more than a tattoo studio—it is a creative space where Indonesian cultural heritage is reimagined through contemporary tattoo art. Established by tattoo artist Ade Itameda after returning to Indonesia from the Netherlands, the studio has earned recognition for creating tattoos inspired by the country's rich artistic traditions rather than following mainstream trends.
Before opening Sekala 369, Ade spent years living and working in Europe, where he developed his artistic identity while exploring what made his work unique. Returning to Indonesia allowed him to reconnect with the cultural roots that would eventually become the foundation of his studio. Although he initially planned to settle elsewhere, Bali offered the inspiration and cultural depth he had been searching for. After spending time researching local traditions and artistic practices, he officially launched Sekala 369 in 2018. One year later, fellow tattoo artist Eka Mardiys joined the studio, bringing his own Balinese heritage and creative perspective.
The artistic direction of Sekala 369 is heavily influenced by Indonesia's diverse visual culture. Ade's Javanese background and Eka's Balinese heritage come together to create original tattoo designs inspired by batik textiles, traditional weaving, Balinese carvings, wayang stories, and other indigenous decorative elements. Rather than simply reproducing traditional motifs, the artists reinterpret them into modern tattoo compositions that respect their cultural origins while embracing contemporary aesthetics.
A defining aspect of the studio's creative process is its emphasis on consultation and storytelling. Every custom tattoo begins with an in-depth conversation between the artist and the client to understand the personal meaning behind the design. Beyond discussing the artwork itself, consultations also cover symbolism, cultural context, placement, and long-term significance. This collaborative approach ensures that each tattoo is not only visually distinctive but also meaningful for the individual wearing it.
While Sekala 369 occasionally offers flash tattoo designs, custom projects remain the studio's primary focus. The artists believe that tattoos are lifelong commitments and deserve careful thought rather than impulsive decisions. By encouraging open dialogue, they help clients understand the historical and cultural significance behind the imagery they choose.
This educational approach is especially important when working with traditional Indonesian symbols. For example, Balinese sacred figures such as Barong are often misunderstood outside Indonesia. Instead of allowing these symbols to be used purely for aesthetic purposes, the artists explain their cultural meaning and spiritual importance, ensuring they are represented with respect. Through this process, Sekala 369 seeks to bridge artistic creativity with cultural appreciation.
Research plays a central role in every project undertaken by the studio. Ade and Eka continuously study traditional Indonesian ornamentation, historical references, and artistic techniques to expand their understanding while developing new visual interpretations. Their work blends influences from Balinese art, Javanese traditions, American Traditional tattooing, Japanese tattoo aesthetics, Old School styles, and tribal compositions, resulting in a distinctive artistic identity that reflects both heritage and innovation.
Today, Sekala 369 stands as a leading example of how tattoo art can become a medium for cultural preservation. By transforming Indonesia's traditional motifs into contemporary body art, the studio not only creates highly personalized tattoos but also introduces local artistic heritage to a wider international audience. Through creativity, research, and respect for tradition, Sekala 369 continues to demonstrate that tattooing can be both a personal expression and a meaningful celebration of Indonesia's diverse cultural legacy.
