By KUSNANDAR & CO., Attorneys at Law – Jakarta, INDONESIA
National Batik Day, commemorated every October 2nd, is
far more than a ceremonial event on the Indonesian calendar. It symbolizes the deep
appreciation of a nation for its cultural heritage and reflects a collective
awareness of national identity. Batik, a traditional Indonesian textile art,
has withstood the test of time—not just as a beautiful piece of cloth, but as a
cultural legacy rooted in the nation’s soul.
Historically, batik traces back to the era of the
Majapahit Kingdom and was initially worn exclusively within royal courts,
reserved for kings and nobility. Over time, batik transcended social boundaries
and evolved into a widely embraced cultural symbol, with its patterns, colors,
and techniques diversifying across regions. This transformation highlights
batik as a living tradition—dynamic and adaptable, yet firmly grounded in
heritage.
Indonesia gained international recognition for batik
on October 2nd, 2009, when UNESCO designated it as a Masterpiece of the Oral
and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. This historic acknowledgment affirms
batik’s value not only to Indonesia but to the world at large. Yet, recognition
must come with responsibility. Celebrating Batik Day should go beyond pride; it
should serve as a call to action for ongoing preservation, innovation, and
promotion of batik in all aspects of society.
The 2025 National Batik Day celebrates the theme
“Batik Merawit,” highlighting the intricate Batik Tulis Merawit from
Cirebon. Known for its fine, detailed linework and bright color palette, this
particular style exemplifies the richness of Indonesia’s regional batik
traditions. Each region has its own unique motifs and stories embedded in its
batik, which is why preservation efforts must be inclusive and representative
of the entire archipelago’s diversity.
Preserving batik should not be limited to wearing it
once a year. Real commitment involves supporting local artisans by purchasing
authentic handmade batik, learning about the traditional techniques behind it,
incorporating batik education into school curricula, and encouraging its
development through creative industries. These are tangible ways to show love
and responsibility for our cultural roots.
Batik also holds great economic potential. The batik
industry supports thousands of artisans across Indonesia. If managed properly,
it could become one of the pillars of Indonesia’s creative economy,
contributing significantly to both local and national income. However, in
pursuing commercialization, a balance must be struck between innovation and
preservation. Traditional techniques such as batik tulis (hand-drawn batik) and
batik cap (stamped batik) must be safeguarded as symbols of cultural integrity
and craftsmanship.
More than just an economic commodity, batik plays a
vital role in fostering national pride. In a globalized world where cultural
identity can be diluted, batik stands as a powerful marker of Indonesian
heritage. Wearing batik is not merely a fashion statement; it is a declaration
of identity—an affirmation of belonging to a nation rich in culture and
tradition.
Thus, National Batik Day should not be seen merely as
an annual event but as the beginning of a larger cultural movement. Every
thread of batik carries with it a story, a value, and a spirit of Indonesia. To
care for batik is to care for the soul of the nation. Let us not just wear
batik on October 2nd, but weave it into the fabric of our daily lives. Let us
celebrate it, preserve it, and elevate it—not just as a legacy of the past, but
as a vibrant part of our nation’s future.
K&Co - October 2, 2025.
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