Avoiding Extinction, Indonesian Textile Nobles Preserve Nusantara Heritage in a City with No Batik Tradition

Kapanlagi.com - As one of the cultural heritages of the archipelago that has gained international recognition, Batik is a symbol of Javanese culture. Its existence needs to be preserved considering the development of industrial technology brings trends that erode regional cultures.

To preserve this archipelago heritage, Bangsawan Tekstil, led by Nur Kholis, is determined to fight even though they were born in a city that is not at all synonymous with batik, namely Gresik, East Java. Bangsawan Tekstil started its journey in February 2011 with a capital of Rp 10 million.

1. Saving the Legendary Tradition

Instagram.com/batik.bangsawan

Nur Kholis' biggest motivation in initiating Bangsawan Tekstil is to save the ancestral traditions that have been passed down. One of them is the batik lukis lampion Damar Kurung, which has become legendary in the Gresik region and most of East Java.

Not only to continue to enjoy its beauty and history, preserving batik and culture can also provide opportunities for children to learn about their own traditions and culture. With this activity, it is hoped that the fast flow of information and technology will not hinder future generations from learning regional arts.

2. Having a Unique Batik Motif

Instagram.com/batik.bangsawan

Bangsawan Indonesia Tekstil has a unique batik motif that represents the culture of Gresik. Named Kawulo Alit, this motif showcases more than 50 fragments of the coastal community in Gresik, such as activities like fetching water from wells, traders in the market, children learning the Quran, fishing, martial arts activities, and many more.

3. Has Marketed Products Digitally

Instagram.com/batik.bangsawan

Although initially marketed offline for the local community in the Gresik area, Bangsawan Indonesia Tekstil has also sold this national artwork online. They started their business through a website in 2016, and Nur Kholis continued the business through social networks like Facebook, Instagram, and marketplaces.

4. Providing Positive Impact for the Surrounding Environment

Instagram.com/batik.bangsawan

Efforts to preserve cultural heritage such as Indonesian Textile Aristocrats certainly have an impact on preventing batik from extinction. Not only that, Nur Kholis is also able to stimulate the local economy by employing 13 employees from around Gresik.

A total of 13 employees at Indonesian Textile Aristocrats are batik makers, tailors, storekeepers, online store managers, and several other divisions. Thanks to their persistence in preserving batik and stimulating the local economy, it is no wonder that Indonesian Textile Aristocrats were able to become finalists in the 2020 Local Creative Festival held by Adira Finance.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia, the Local Creative Festival is a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) agenda of Adira Finance. The theme #RiseTogetherWithFriends, which was raised in this event, has been held since August 2020 and reached its peak in January 2021. Not only that, Adira Finance also raised donations aimed at SMEs affected by the pandemic.

(kpl/jef)