After Iwan Tirta's Passing, Who Will Keep the Flame of Batik Heritage Burning?

Kapanlagi.com - Batik is not just about patterns on fabric. In the hands of maestro Iwan Tirta, batik transformed into a cultural language, a symbol of elegance, and even a form of spirituality. But after the maestro passed away more than a decade ago, a big question arose: who is now keeping the flame of that heritage alive in the fast-moving fashion industry?

The name Iwan Tirta is not just famous. He is an institution. A visionary born in Blora on April 18, 1935, he not only created more than 10,000 batik patterns but also brought Indonesian batik to the world stage with glamorous, classic, and still relevant designs.

Now, that great legacy is continued by the team behind Iwan Tirta Private Collection. If in the past the name Iwan Tirta was always associated with one figure, now his role is replaced by collective work.

1. No Longer a Creative Director

After Era Soekamto served as Creative Director and took this brand global, the position has now officially been abolished. According to Rindu Melati, Head of Marketing Iwan Tirta Private Collection, this decision is part of their new philosophy.

"Currently, there is no longer a role for a Creative Director," she said during an interview with FIMELA. "We have two senior designers who have been with us even before Era Soekamto joined."

They are Untari Soeyamto (Head of Creative) and Prismawati, who are responsible for the ready to wear line. At the corporate level, the CEO position is now held by Widiyana Sudirman.

This leadership model allows all teams to have equal contributions, from creative ideas, commercial aspects, to supply chain. An approach that reflects the value of mutual cooperation, while still being oriented towards high quality.

2. Innovation and the Spirit of the Maestro

For Iwan Tirta, batik is not just a fashion product but a spiritual medium. He even once said, 'I do not create batik, but preserve it like a guardian.'

That value is also upheld by the current team. They believe that heritage will not survive if it is not developed. Innovation is the key so that batik does not just become a symbol of the past, but also a part of contemporary lifestyle.

The creative team brings renewal through colors that follow trends, the use of environmentally friendly materials like Tencel, and the exploration of new forms in men's and women's designs. But one thing that remains preserved is batik tulis, crafted handmade over months using luxurious fabrics such as silk, organza, and linen.

3. Challenge: Pleasing Two Generations

(credit: instagram.com/iwantirta_batik)

Maintaining the identity of the brand while meeting the rapidly changing market expectations is clearly not an easy task. Moreover, now 50% of their consumers come from the millennial generation and 20% from Gen Z. At the same time, there are still loyal consumers from previous generations who desire the classic ambiance characteristic of Iwan Tirta.

The solution? A flexible and collaborative approach. In addition to fashion collections, Iwan Tirta Private Collection is now also venturing into home decor, accessories, and even furniture. Collaborations with designers from various disciplines continue to be pursued, as long as their vision aligns.

The bigger goal is to make batik a part of modern society's daily life. "We want Iwan Tirta to remain relevant in every era, not just as a cultural heritage, but as part of Indonesia's fashion and lifestyle," said Rindu.

Each batik motif has a story. From Truntum, which symbolizes eternal love, to Parang, which means strength and resilience. Therefore, it is no surprise that each collection from Iwan Tirta is not just clothing, but also a living narrative.

4. Award at the Nusantara Textile Parade 2025

For extraordinary dedication in preserving and developing batik, the Iwan Tirta Private Collection will receive the Anugerah Abdi Kriya Wastra Nusantara at the Nusantara Textile Parade 2025.

For those of you who want to see these beautiful works up close, don't miss the Nusantara Textile Parade 2025, which will be held on August 8–10, 2025, at Kota Kasablanka, Jakarta. You can check the complete information at paradewastranusantara.co.id and on Fimela's social media accounts.

(kpl/pit)