Batik is an icon nation for Indonesia. UNESCO give award to batik as cultural heritage on October 2009. and it is significantly affected towards the batik industry afterward.
Batik is a product of culture and provide a livelihood for millions of people of Indonesia. We can find it in many places such as in Java: Cirebon, Pekalongan, Banyumas, Yogyakarta, Solo, Mojokerto.
Outside Java we also find some od industry in Samarinda-Borneo, Padang, Palembang-Sumatra, Toraja-Sulawesi, Papua and even Nusa Tenggara Barat
Types and Variations
Javanese kraton (court)
This is one of the oldest pattern and creation practices. Also known as Pedalaman in contrast with Pesisiran. This type of has earthy color tones such as black, brown, and dark yellow (sogan), sometimes against a white background. The motifs of traditional court fabrics have a more symbolic meanings than others.
Pesisir
In several areas on the northern coast of Java and on Madura have this type. Pesisir utilizes vivid colors and Chinese motifs such as clouds, phoenix, dragon, qilin, lotus, peony, and floral patterns.
Pekalongan
the most famous Pesisir production area is the town of Pekalongan in Central Java province.
Cirebon
The most well known Cirebon Motif is megamendung (rain cloud) that was used in the former Cirebon Kraton. This cloud motif shows Chinese influence.
Tuban
Gedog is the speciality of Tuban. You can find the handmade tenun (woven) fabrics here.
Madura
Madurese displays vibrant colors, such as yellow, red, and green. Madura unique motifs for example pucuk tombak (spear tips), also various flora and fauna images.
Soeharto was the first figure who introducing it Into the international community
The second President of the Republic of Indonesia, Soeharto, was the first figure to introduce this type of fabric to the international realm since the mid-80s. The souvenir for the quest of state.
In addition, when Indonesia hosted the APEC II (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Summit held in 1994 in Bogor, 17 heads of state and heads of government from APEC countries wears this kind of fabric, specially made with a style symbolizing the state symbol each added with a touch of ethnic Javanese.
