Serapic Studio

Jaja: Bringing Urban Life and Real-World Scenes to Diorama Scale

For Jaja, it all started in 2021—not with grand ambitions, but with a simple fascination: a love for miniatures. “I just really enjoy seeing small-scale versions of things,” he said. That curiosity led him into the world of diorama building, and he’s been hooked ever since.

His first major experience was a collaborative project with fellow diorama builders, recreating the iconic Indosat Ooredoo building on Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat. But when it comes to personal projects, Jaja leans heavily into urban Japan-inspired themes, filled with life, lights, and activity.

🎥 A YouTube-Fueled Journey

Jaja didn’t go to design school or study architecture—his skills come from pure passion and YouTube tutorials. “I learned a lot from creators like Luke Towan, Artbear, Minibricks, and Citiscape Studio,” he shared. Hours spent watching, absorbing techniques, and trying things out on his own have shaped his style and process.

🛠️ Freestyle with Structure

Every diorama starts in his head. Jaja visualizes the layout first—building shapes, sidewalks, road textures, and small accessories. From there, he begins the build, often improvising along the way. “Unless it’s a special order that requires a specific theme or structure, I like to stay flexible during the process,” he said.

His go-to materials include PVC foam board, MDF wood, and acrylic—a reliable combo for structure, texture, and durability.

🏙️ Realism and Crowd Vibes

Jaja’s dioramas lean toward realism, but not just static scenes—he loves building lively, activity-filled environments. Scenes that feel like they’re alive, bustling with energy, even when frozen in miniature form.

And yes, he does accept custom orders, working closely with clients to bring their ideas to life.

🐾 A Diorama in the Jungle

One of the most unforgettable projects Jaja has ever worked on was a landscape diorama for PT. Bukit Asam, themed around a coal mining site.

“It was a huge build, and we had to assemble it onsite—in a forest area in Muara Enim, Palembang,” he explained. The team built the diorama in Jakarta, then flew over to reassemble it in the middle of a newly cleared hilltop for an official mining launch event.

It wasn’t your typical indoor setup. “We were surrounded by wild animals, working from midday until almost midnight with limited equipment,” Jaja recalled. “But it was all worth it. Seeing the finished diorama on display and appreciated by all the VIP guests—that was a special kind of satisfaction.”

🤝 Collaboration and Community

While he hasn’t partnered with brands yet, Jaja often collaborates with other diorama artists, especially for larger builds. He’s also deeply involved in the diecast and diorama community, and he’s noticed a strong synergy between the two.

“I think diecast groups here are super active. They’ve started inviting diorama groups to collaborate at events too. Honestly, I don’t think diecast and diorama can be separated anymore—they belong together.”

🇮🇩 Pushing for Progress

Jaja believes that Indonesian diorama artists are more than capable of competing internationally. “The talent is there. What’s holding a lot of them back is access—tools and funding,” he said. Many makers can only create a limited number of pieces each year because mass production just isn’t feasible yet.

That said, Jaja’s not slowing down. Right now, he’s working on two upcoming builds:

A new diorama to showcase at IDS this August, and
Another one for IMX & IDE in October.