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Batik is one of Indonesia's most valuable and unique cultural heritages. Situated at the heart of the archipelago's culture, batik has been a symbol of identity and artistic expression for the Indonesian people for centuries.
Batik can be interpreted as the art of writing or placing dots on a large piece of fabric.
Indonesian batik has flourished since the Majapahit era and the spread of Islam in the country. This tradition, passed down through generations, has created unique patterns closely tied to the philosophy and cultural meanings of the communities that make them. Batik motifs such as Parang Kusumo, Sidomukti, and Mega Mendung are not only beautiful but also contain deep stories and symbolism.
There are several types of batik, such as hand-drawn batik, which is created manually with high precision; stamped batik, which uses stamps to imprint motifs; and printed batik, which is made using printing machines, though its quality is often less perfect.
Batik patterns are diverse and influenced by their regions of origin. Javanese batik is renowned for its intricate and symmetrical designs from areas like Solo, Yogyakarta, Pekalongan, and Cirebon. Meanwhile, Madura batik features simpler motifs with bright and contrasting colors. Balinese batik, too, stands out, drawing inspiration from Hindu-Balinese culture, such as wayang and barong.
In 2008, UNESCO recognized batik as an intangible cultural heritage, affirming its global status as one of Indonesia's most treasured cultural icons. With its unique patterns and philosophy, batik will continue to inspire and be a source of pride for the Indonesian people.
As a symbol of national identity, batik reflects values, traditions, and history that have been intertwined for centuries. By preserving batik, we not only maintain a traditional art form but also protect the stories and meanings embedded in each motif.
Moreover, the batik industry significantly contributes to the local economy. Many batik artisans rely on this skill to earn a living. By supporting and preserving batik, we help improve the welfare of communities and create job opportunities.
The preservation of batik is also crucial for educating and raising awareness among younger generations. By introducing batik to children, they can understand the cultural and historical values of their nation, fostering a sense of love and pride for their ancestral heritage.
In this era of globalization, the challenges to preserving batik are increasing with the influx of mass-produced goods that lack cultural value. Therefore, efforts to safeguard batik must be made collectively, by the government, society, and individuals, to ensure that the beauty and meaning of batik remain alive amid changing times.
Batik Bantengan is the result of talent, skill, perseverance, and love. Anjani Sekar Arum began this journey in August 2014 when she founded the Andaka batik studio and gallery in Batu City, Malang. She designed the Batik Bantengan motifs herself, having inherited her father's talent for painting. She also honed her skills at the Department of Arts and Design, Faculty of Literature, at the State University of Malang. Anjani started creating batik in 2010, but it was only in 2014 that she managed to showcase her work. Out of 54 fabrics, she kept only one piece for herself.
Challenges arose when the wife of Batu's mayor, Dewanti Rumpoko, invited her to exhibit in Prague, Czech Republic. Just two weeks before the event, Anjani had only managed to create 10 pieces of fabric. It turned out that finding diligent and skilled batik makers was not easy. In 2015, she met Aliya, a 9-year-old girl interested in learning how to make batik.
Since then, Anjani has chosen to train children to become batik makers in her studio. To date, 58 children have learned the craft at her studio, with 28 of them becoming active batik makers.
Every month, the Andana Studio produces an average of 45 pieces of batik fabric. Each piece sells for IDR 300,000 to IDR 750,000. From each sold fabric, Anjani only takes 10 percent.
She uses this money to purchase fabric, dye, and other materials. The rest goes to the children who make the batik. Often, Anjani has to dip into her modest salary as an honorary teacher at SMPN I Batu to cover the studio’s various expenses.
Anjani’s journey has not been easy, and she has faced many obstacles. Her hard work paid off when she received the SATU Indonesia Awards 2017 in recognition of her efforts. (*)
In 2008, UNESCO recognized batik as an intangible cultural heritage, affirming its global status as one of Indonesia's most treasured cultural icons. With its unique patterns and philosophy, batik will continue to inspire and be a source of pride for the Indonesian people.
Batik Must Be Preserved
As a symbol of national identity, batik reflects values, traditions, and history that have been intertwined for centuries. By preserving batik, we not only maintain a traditional art form but also protect the stories and meanings embedded in each motif.
Moreover, the batik industry significantly contributes to the local economy. Many batik artisans rely on this skill to earn a living. By supporting and preserving batik, we help improve the welfare of communities and create job opportunities.
The preservation of batik is also crucial for educating and raising awareness among younger generations. By introducing batik to children, they can understand the cultural and historical values of their nation, fostering a sense of love and pride for their ancestral heritage.
In this era of globalization, the challenges to preserving batik are increasing with the influx of mass-produced goods that lack cultural value. Therefore, efforts to safeguard batik must be made collectively, by the government, society, and individuals, to ensure that the beauty and meaning of batik remain alive amid changing times.
The Pioneer of Batik Bantengan
Batik Bantengan is the result of talent, skill, perseverance, and love. Anjani Sekar Arum began this journey in August 2014 when she founded the Andaka batik studio and gallery in Batu City, Malang. She designed the Batik Bantengan motifs herself, having inherited her father's talent for painting. She also honed her skills at the Department of Arts and Design, Faculty of Literature, at the State University of Malang. Anjani started creating batik in 2010, but it was only in 2014 that she managed to showcase her work. Out of 54 fabrics, she kept only one piece for herself.
Challenges arose when the wife of Batu's mayor, Dewanti Rumpoko, invited her to exhibit in Prague, Czech Republic. Just two weeks before the event, Anjani had only managed to create 10 pieces of fabric. It turned out that finding diligent and skilled batik makers was not easy. In 2015, she met Aliya, a 9-year-old girl interested in learning how to make batik.
Since then, Anjani has chosen to train children to become batik makers in her studio. To date, 58 children have learned the craft at her studio, with 28 of them becoming active batik makers.
Every month, the Andana Studio produces an average of 45 pieces of batik fabric. Each piece sells for IDR 300,000 to IDR 750,000. From each sold fabric, Anjani only takes 10 percent.
She uses this money to purchase fabric, dye, and other materials. The rest goes to the children who make the batik. Often, Anjani has to dip into her modest salary as an honorary teacher at SMPN I Batu to cover the studio’s various expenses.
Anjani’s journey has not been easy, and she has faced many obstacles. Her hard work paid off when she received the SATU Indonesia Awards 2017 in recognition of her efforts. (*)
.webp&description=The Inspiring Story of Anjani, the Creator of Batik Bantengan from Batu City){kind=link}
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