The Heritage of Indonesia: Batik
The export value of batik and batik products in the first semester of 2017 reached up to USD39.4 million with the main market target to Japan, United States (US) and Europe. This achievement indicates that the national batik industry has a comparative and competitive in the international market. (okzone.com)
Batik has been recognized by UNESCO as an indigenous cultural heritage of Indonesia. No wonder if now batik is worldwide and used by important people like Nelson Mandela. The famous Hollywood celebrity was wearing batik Indonesia that has begun to be worn by world designers while demonstrating the play fashion. Indonesia is great!
There are more than 50 variety of Indonesian batik originating from various regions. Among the most common in the market are Yogyakarta, Solo, Magetan, Pekalongan and Cirebon. Each batik has its own uniqueness and has a meaning behind every pattern.
Based on how they created Batik, it is divided into 4 variants:
- Batik Tulis (Handmade Batik) : all processes are done manually, one by one, with canting, wax, cloth, and dye. To make this Batik will have a long process that will probably go through it for weeks. This batik is what is said as Original Batik and usually sold with a fantastic price and also have a certificate.
- Batik Cap (Stamp Batik) : used a stamp that has patterned batik. The stamp is dipped in hot wax, then pressed or stamped on the fabric.
- Batik Celup Ikat (Tie & Dye) : as the name, this batik is made by tying the fabric which is then dyed into the dye.
- Batik Cetak (Printing Batik) : in the process of this batik, the pattern has been printed on the screen printing tool, so that the battering and coloring can be done directly.
What They Say About Batik
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
“Batik Indonesia or 'technique, symbolism, and culture around the process of hand coloring on cotton or silk cloth has penetrated the life of the Indonesian people from birth to death'.” (www.bbc.com)
Jimmy Hendrick Aafar, Owner of Port Numbay (Papua’s Batik) - Papua, Indonesia
"Every design has a message, for example, the seagull and fish pattern symbolizes a symbiotic relationship." (www.vice.com)
Erik Verhoeven, Air Traffic Controller - Netherland
"I love batik because it reminds me of the most beautiful country in the world. The scents of fruits in this tropical place are expressed in the colourfull handcrafted pieces of batik."
Santiago Giorgio, Lecturer - Brazil
"The first time I went to Indonesia, I was surprised to see many people wearing colorful clothes and patterned 'crazy'. I see men wearing flower-printed and blue-purple clothes. In another country, it might be a strange sight. But Indonesian men who wear these clothes actually look prestige, mature and wise"
Anonymous
"In my country, very few people come out with our traditional clothes. It can even be said to be non-existent. Unless there are parties of people, weddings, or similar events. Our traditional clothes is too impractical for everyday use. We should wear modern clothes. Not like batik you just used and paste. In addition, our traditional shirt colors are also plainer. Not like the style, tone, and expression of the rich color of batik. In my opinion, you can be grateful to have clothes that can be so beautiful but practical if worn."
Batik for me is art and craft in one masterpiece. A philosophy of patience and harmonization in the making. The pattern is full of meaning, history, culture, prayer, and hope.
