BATIK

Batik is one of Indonesia's cultural heritages which has been recognized by UNESCO as a Humanitarian Heritage for Oral and Intangible Culture (Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity) on October 2 2008. Since then, October 2 has been declared as National Batik Day by the President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono through Presidential Decree Number 33 of 2009. National Batik Day is a form of appreciation and pride for the Indonesian people towards batik as a symbol of culture and national identity. Batik produced by women from the area around our company who are 40 years old and over. Apart from earning income, they also develop their talents as batik makers so that they become more productive.

What is Batik?

Batik is the work of direct human hands using canting as a medium for drawing using candle wax, resulting in beautiful work, as quoted in the book Batik Cultural Heritage by Dena Rizqia.

There are also other opinions regarding the meaning of batik, namely cloth with images made specifically by writing wax on mori cloth (white woven cloth). Then, the fabric is processed through a certain process, so that it becomes clothing with high use value, as quoted in the book Application of Collaborative-Participatory Based Non-Chemical Batik Dyeing Methods by Dra Giyah Yuliari, etc

Tehnique Making of Batik

In making batik motifs that have been popular since ancient times until now, there are at least 5 types of batik making techniques that are best known. These five ways of making batik will produce works of art in the form of cloth that have traditional motifs/patterns and are made using wax. The batik making techniques you need to know are:

- Written canting batik/written batik (Batik canting tulis/batik tulis) : making batik motifs manually using canting, wax and hands. Malam in batik terms is a covering of the fabric so that the color does not come into contact with it during the dyeing process.

- Stamped batik(Batik cap):

the process of making batik motifs with a special canting and embossed model so that you just have to stamp them onto the mori cloth.

- Batik printing(Batik printing):

making batik using modern machines that do not use wax for coloring.

- Tie-dyed batik (Batik celup ikat):

a technique for making batik by tying it and then dyeing it in several color variations to produce colorful batik.

- Batik colet:

making batik by painting using a brush, cotton wool and canting.

1.    Motif batik mega mendung from Cirebon 

Mega Mendung Batik Motif from Cirebon (Photo: Bukalapak)

One of the characteristics of batik images from coastal areas is that the colors are brighter, giving the wearer a cheerful impression. For example, this Mega Mendung batik motif from Cirebon. Its characteristic is the motif of blue mega clouds above a clear sky. This Indonesian batik is also suitable for all ages and is often used by designers, for example Albert Yanuar, in designing modern batik. 

2.    Motif batik sogan, giving an elegant impression

The Sogan Batik motif comes from Solo and Yogyakarta (Photo: Bukalapak)

This is the favorite batik motif of the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo. This batik, which originates from Solo and Yogyakarta, is characterized by a light brown color with batik images accented with flowers and dots, as well as curves and lines in the motif. Sogan has been around since the era of our ancestors and was usually used by kings in the palace because of its elegant color, a combination of brown and black. Even though batik colors are now increasingly modern, Sogan batik is still the Indonesian batik sought after by fashion lovers in Asia and Europe. 

3. Motif batik tujuh rupa, improved the mood of the user

Motif Batik Tujuh Rupa from Pekalongan (Foto: Bukalapak)

This batik motif is the most popular Pekalongan motif. In one cloth, the colors and images of batik are so diverse that it is said to have seven forms. Previously, Pekalongan was a very large port where traders from China, Arabia and Europe traded with local residents. This mixture of cultures is what makes Pekalongan batik so rich in color.

4. Motif batik priangan, makes the style softer

Motif Batik Priangan from Tasik (Foto: Infobatik.id)

This batik motif from Tasikmalaya is usually liked by men because of its neat batik image which gives a calm and dignified impression. But you can also use this Indonesian batik as a bottom. Tasikmalaya batik has brighter colors such as light blue, red or light green, and depicts its natural environment. Leaf, flower or bird motifs are often the main motif in this batik. 

5. Motif batik gentongan, the color lasts for years

Motif Batik Gentongan from pesisir Jawa (Foto: Bukalapak)

Just like other coastal batik, the color of this batik is also bright, giving the wearer a cheerful impression. This gentongan batik is made with only one motif and to color it, the cloth is dipped in the barrel and then the motif is drawn directly on the cloth. This technique means that the color of the fabric will not fade over the years.

6. Motif batik parang from Solo, to increase the spirit of the user 

Motif Batik Parang from Solo (Foto: Bukalapak)

You will often see Indonesian batik with this motif, which looks like the letter S neatly arranged. This batik motif from Solo is one of the favorite motifs of foreign tourists when visiting Laweyan Batik Village in Solo. Derived from the word pereng which means slope, this Indonesian batik motif symbolizes a continuous and unbroken path, so it is likened to the wearer's never-ending spirit in achieving his dreams. 

7. Batik kawung, once of the  oldest motif batik

Batik Kawung is one of the oldest batik images in Indonesia (Foto: infobatik.id)

Indonesian batik has been around for hundreds of years. Well, Batik Kawung is one of the oldest batik motifs in Indonesia. This batik image itself is inspired by the shape of the kawung fruit, also known as palm fruit.

The motif consists of four ovals and in the middle has a shape that resembles a cross. The entire batik image has a meaning that refers to a universal energy source.

As in general, Kawung batik is one of the archipelago batiks that can only be worn by royal people. Usually you can find this batik motif when it is used as a sarong for a king or queen. But as time goes by, Indonesian batik is now available in the form of skirts and dresses. 

8. Motif batik sekar jagad that amazing

Motif Batik Sekar Jagad from Yogyakarta (Foto: Bukalapak)

Yogyakarta is one of the regions in Indonesia that has popular batik motifs. One of them is the Sekar Jagad batik motif. From its name, this batik pattern apparently contains a meaning of beauty that can fascinate anyone who sees it.

Of course, the depiction is appropriate for women wearing this batik motif. Yes, the beautiful batik images will certainly make you look more elegant and charming. It turns out that some people say that the Sekar Jagad batik motif was inspired by the world map, you know, because the batik images resemble islands. 

9. Batik sidomukti from Magetan that has shiny colour

Motif Batik Sidomukti from Magetan (Foto: Batikbumi.com)

This batik motif comes from Magetan Regency, East Java. Sidomukti Magetan batik has bright colors and is far from being old-fashioned. The characteristic of this batik motif is the simple image of bamboo and flowers.

Initially, Indonesian batik was usually used for traditional ceremonies and official events. Only the sultan and his family are allowed to wear this palace batik motif. However, now the regulations have been revoked and people can wear the Sidomukti Magetan batik motif freely. 

10. Batik tambal, the result of a combination of several batik images

Motif Batik Tambal (Foto: Batiksolo.id)

As the name suggests, patched batik resembles patched fabric. This motif, which consists of various other batik motifs, resembles patchwork fabric made from various patchwork fabrics. Philosophically, this motif has the meaning of patching something or repairing something that is damaged.

You can apply this modern batik motif fabric to a stylish dress. Apart from that, you can also wear patched batik as a modern kebaya bottom. In essence, combine this batik according to your taste and style. 

11. Motif batik sidoluhur which is usually worn by brides 

Motif Batik Sidoluhur (Foto: Bukalapak)

This batik motif is usually seen worn by brides on their wedding night. This motif, which has a batik pattern that resembles a ketupat, has the meaning that the person who wears it can achieve the highest position and become a role model in the surrounding environment. 

12. Motif batik ceplok with geometric grooves

Motif Batik Ceplok (Foto: Batik.or.id)

The ceplok motif can be immediately recognized from its geometric lines. So in general, the batik images presented are just repetitions. But this batik motif has become a popular one and is present in various fashion items from clothes, skirts, to men's batik shirts, you know. 

13. Motif batik Ciamis, the one that like stylish

Motif Batik Ciamis (source: disparbud.jabarprov.go.id)

This batik motif from Ciamis, West Java has motifs that tend to be simple when compared to motifs from Central Java and East Java. Usually, Ciamis batik motifs tend to have simple patterns and are not too busy.

 Apart from that, Ciamis batik images come in bright colors. Several Ciamis batik cloth manufacturers also deliberately produce Ciamis batik in pastel colors, you know. You can apply natural images and a combination of pastel colors from batik to modern outfits. 

14. Motif batik garutan seem more modernist

Motif Batik Garutan (photo: Batik.or.id)

Garut batik developed before Indonesian independence. This batik motif has a minimalist impression and uses bright colors. Philosophically, these colors express happiness, such as ivory, red, green, and light purple. Generally, the Garutan batik motif is a reflection of the social and cultural life of the Sundanese people, especially the Garut region, West Java. 

15. Batik cuwiri normally seen in the seven monthly tradition 

Motif Batik Cuwiri (photo: Bukalapak)

The tradition of seven months or mitoni, is still being preserved to this day. Usually pregnant women will be dressed in a cloth. Well, cloth with the cuwiri batik motif is what is often seen in this tradition.

Cuwiri means small. Therefore, this batik image looks small. This batik motif originating from Solo and Yogyakarta is colored using natural soga substances and usually the motif is dominated by meru ornaments, an arch that resembles a mountain. 

16. Motif batik celup that abstract but artsy

Motif Batik Celup (photo: Shutterstock)

One of the reasons for the variety of batik motifs is the variety of techniques used. One of the techniques for making Indonesian batik is the tie dye technique. Well, usually modern batik motifs produced from dyeing techniques have geometric patterns, but do not have a clear line separating the motif and background color and give the impression of a psychadelic motif.

However, it can be a statement in itself in your appearance. There are also many clothing designers who use various types of batik by dyeing organic dyes such as indigo as the basic material for making their clothes. 

17. Motif batik keraton as pioneer batik Indonesia

Motif Batik Keraton (Foto: Infobatik.id)

If you want to know what motifs are the "ancestors" of various types of Indonesian batik, this is the answer. Yup, the palace batik motif is the pioneer of Indonesian batik. From the name alone you will already know where this batik motif comes from.

Initially, Indonesian batik was made by palace princesses together with batik makers in the palace. Because of this, only the sultan and his family are allowed to wear it, so this motif has become a very exclusive motif. But don't worry, now this motif can be worn by all groups.

18. Batik semen which dominated with nature elements

Motif Batik Semen (photo: Bukalapak)

There are three main ornaments that are usually present in cement batik motifs. The first is land ornaments such as plants and four-legged animals. Second, batik images or ornaments related to air, such as eagles, birds and mega mendung. While the third is ornaments related to water or the sea, such as snakes, frogs or fish. 

19. Batik Malang that have a brighter impression

Motif Batik Malang (photo: Bukalapak)

From the name alone, you already know where this batik motif comes from. Usually this motif is presented with patterns or symbols from the city of Malang itself. Therefore, the batik image seems more modern and bright.

Usually this motif is also presented in brighter colors. For example, the basic color blue or green is overwritten with white. Then the two colors in Indonesian batik can be overwritten with yellow or red. Exciting, right? 

20. Motif batik asmat from Papua

Motif Batik Asmat from Papua (photo: Bukalapak)

Not only the island of Java, the eastern part of Indonesia also has beautiful batik motifs, you know. One of them is the province of Papua which has Asmat batik.

Asmat batik has a terracotta motif with a slightly brownish color like earth. Asmat batik motifs are dominated by carving patterns typical of the Asmat tribe, such as carved statues, which are the original tribe of the Cendrawasih land.

21. Motif batik cendrawasih that iconic

Motif Batik Cendrawasih from Papua (Foto: Infobatik.id)

Still classified as a Papuan batik motif, you can look different if you wear this batik motif. The Cendrawasih batik motif has bright colors, such as red, golden yellow and green. This modern batik motif is also quite popular, considering that the bird of paradise is an icon of Papua.

The bird of paradise, which has beautiful feathers and tail, is unique to batik paradise. When you wear batik with a dashing bird of paradise motif, it gives a firm and elegant impression to your appearance. Making it into a sarimbit or uniform with your partner and family is also cool, you know. 

22. Motif batik Pekalongan which many people are targeting

Motif Batik Pekalongan (photo: Bukalapak)

There's no need to doubt this batik motif! If tourists or vacationers want to look for batik, they are usually immediately directed to buy Pekalongan batik. Therefore, this area has become one of the best batik tourist attractions in Indonesia.

Unlike other motifs that take inspiration from Indonesian culture, this Pekalongan batik motif has actually been given a touch of foreign culture, due to trade factors. Because in ancient times many people came to trade because of the city's strategic location on the north coast of Java. However, images of fauna and vegetation are still the main stars of this batik.

23. Motif botik kamoro with a unique standing statue symbol 

Motif Batik Kamoro  (photo: Infobatik.id)

Another batik motif from Papua is Kamoro with a batik image of a standing statue carrying a spear. The colors displayed from the Kamoro tribal motif are bolder and brighter. Such as a combination of blue and green, black and yellow, red and pink.

Kamoro batik is influenced from various sides, such as the cultural aspects of the Kamoro tribe and the influence of Javanese batik brought by Javanese batik makers. Not only for clothing, Kamoro batik also continues to develop, such as dresses, shirts, even bed covers. 

24. Batik prada with a classy impression

Motif Batik Prada (photo: Bukalapak)

If you want to know what batik is the most expensive and beautiful from Papuan batik, the answer is Prada batik. The motif of Indonesian batik almost resembles Cendrawasih batik, but Prada batik has a touch of gold lines in the motif. Apart from using silk, Papuan people also sometimes use shantung cloth to make typical Papuan batik. This fabric is very similar to tissue, silk and cotton. 

25. Motif batik Bali Barong lions always steal the attention of tourists

Motif Batik Bali (photo: Infobatik.id)

Bali is still a favorite destination for foreign tourists. Bali also has batik motifs that are no less popular, you know. The barong lion batik motif always manages to steal the attention of tourists.

Balinese batik tends to be young, because it has just been developed. But the batik motif has managed to get the spotlight because it looks different. Balinese batik has a different aroma, because it uses natural materials, such as tree bark, in the dyeing process. The weight also feels heavier than ordinary batik cloth. 

26. Batik Jepara, Indonesian batik is known as Batik Kartini

Motif Batik Jepara (photo: Bukalapak)

Apart from being known as a producer of wood carvings, it turns out that the Jepara area also has distinctive batik motifs. Indonesian batik motifs, which originate from Jepara batik, are divided into two, namely old motifs and new motifs.

The old Jepara batik motif is characterized by black lung color, flora and fauna such as green thread leaves and brown elephants. Meanwhile, for the new batik version, Jepara has modernized it, such as hand-written batik or woven Jepara batik. Have you often heard the term Batik Kartini? Jepara Batik is what is meant. 

 27. Batik lasem, acculturation of culture of Jawa and Tionghoa with shiny motif

Motif Batik Lasem (photo: Bukalapak)

There are other Indonesian batik motifs that are influenced by foreign cultures. Yes, the Lasem batik motif was created from the acculturation of Javanese culture, specifically Central and East Java and Chinese. This coastal batik does have motifs with bright and distinctive colors. Various characteristics of Javanese cultural batik motifs can be seen in this Lasem batik motif, for example the batik images of parang, kawung, udan riris, sido mukti and sweet sekar universe. Then it is enriched with a mixture of bright Chinese batik motifs such as images of Hong bird and dragon batik motifs.

For those of you who want to attend a semi-formal or formal event, try wearing fabric bottoms from this Lasem batik motif. Guaranteed to look fresher and more charming, of course it looks classy. 

28. Batik betawi identic of Jakarta with striking bright colors

Motif Batik Betawi (photo: Bukalapak)

There are also typical Jakarta batik motifs which are also loved by Indonesian batik collectors. Yes, this Betawi batik motif emphasizes bright colors and displays the cultural values of the Betawi people. Images of the Ciliwung River motif, Betawi ondel ondel dolls, Monas, and the Ceila Map are seen dominantly decorating this batik cloth. Usually Betawi batik cloth is worn for prestigious events such as the Abang None Jakarta event or other state events.

29. Batik pring sedapur Magetan which contains of with natural elements

Motif Batik Pring Sedapur (photo: Bukalapak)

Sedapur pring batik is produced in Sidomukti Village, Magetan. It is called pring sedapur because it comes from Javanese, Pring which means bamboo and Sedapur which means allied. It's not surprising that you will see batik motifs in the form of images of bamboo plants in various bright colors which have a philosophy of living in harmony and peace. With the Magetan city area being used as a natural tourist destination, there's no harm in collecting this sedapur pring motif batik cloth.

30. Batik sido asih with motif of premium and classic 

Motif Batik Sida Asih (photo: Bukalapak)

One type of palace batik that is popular is the Sido Asih batik motif from Solo. In Javanese culture, this batik motif is worn at weddings, specifically on the wedding night. The philosophy is that there is hope that the bride and groom who have just entered a new household will be more romantic, grow in love and affection in the future. This Sido Asih batik motif cloth is available at a premium price because of its classy quality and difficulhairty in making motif batik.