Adelia Jovani

Tjindo: A Chinese Indonesian Typeface

How Chinese Indonesian identity be expressed through typeface design?

Project Abstract

This research celebrates Chinese Indonesian identity through type design. Chinese diaspora in Indonesia has a long history of acculturation. Glodok, Jakarta’s biggest Chinatown, is a manifestation of Chinese Indonesian resilience and adaptability throughout history, as well as their multilingual culture and trading heritage. "Tjindo" took Glodok signages as its key reference in crafting the letterforms. 

Q&A

        Q: In 5 words or less, what is communication design research really like?
A: Think, Practice, Feedback, Write, Repeat.
   
       Q: Band name or song title that best captures your feeling about communication design.
A: Espresso

       Q: How many hours a day do you spend thinking about or practising design?
A: 9

       Q: Tea or coffee? Estimate number of litres you consumed in 2024 so far.
A: Both, 500ml/day.

       Q: Weirdest typeface you have ever used?
A: Kocha

        Q: If communication design were a dish or meal, what would it be and why?
A: Bento

Fig. 1 – Tjindo typeface in progress.

Fig. 2 – Uppercase letters of Tjindo typeface.

Fig. 3 – Application of Tjindo typeface.