Not Just a Piece of Cloth, Here's the Story of Batik Until It Was Recognized by UNESCO

Kapanlagi.com - Batik is not just about beautifully patterned cloth that we often see at official events or wear daily. Behind every stroke of wax and its distinctive patterns lies a long story about culture, philosophy, and Indonesia's struggle to gain global recognition.

On October 2, 2009, batik was officially recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. What is the story behind it?

Let's take a closer look at the journey of batik until it successfully entered UNESCO!

The Philosophy of Batik Cloth Captivates UNESCO

The designs and patterns of batik found in Indonesia are very diverse, ranging from batik in Java, Kalimantan, to Papua. Each region has its own characteristic motifs, reflecting a deep philosophy about the cultural and environmental diversity in Indonesia.

Here are some philosophies of traditional batik art motifs from regions in Indonesia.

1. Kapah

The kapah motif is inspired by the shape of a large shell found along the coast of Tarakan. This motif symbolizes the wealth of marine resources that are a source of life for the community.

2. Lereng

The lereng motif resembles a pile of stones. The meaning contained within it is perseverance, stability, and strength that makes life run smoothly.

3. Parang

The Parang motif is one of the most iconic batik motifs in Indonesia. This motif is dominated by sharp-angled lines that symbolize strength, independence, and resilience.

4. Mega Mendung

The Mega Mendung motif originates from Cirebon, West Java. This motif depicts layered gray clouds that symbolize fertility, hope, and prosperity.

These meanings are what make batik special in the eyes of the world. Batik is not just a work of art, but also a medium of cultural communication. Through batik, the prayers, hopes, and identity of the Indonesian people are depicted. No wonder, UNESCO fell in love and finally recognized batik as part of the world’s cultural heritage.

A Long Journey to Become an Intangible Cultural Heritage

The UNESCO recognition was clearly not obtained easily. Indonesia submitted the status of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) to the UNESCO office on September 4, 2008. The submission was officially accepted on January 9, 2009.

It bore sweet fruit, as batik was officially recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on October 2, 2009. Since then, batik has not only been a national pride but also started to be recognized internationally.

To commemorate this historic moment, the government through Presidential Decree No. 33 of 2009, designated October 2 as National Batik Day. The goal is simple: to raise public awareness of the efforts to protect and develop Indonesian batik.

Now Batik is a Trendy Style for Gen Z

If in the past batik was identical to official and formal events, now batik has transformed into a part of youth style. Many local designers create batik with modern cuts. Gen Z is also unafraid to mix batik with jeans, skirts, or sneakers. The result? Look still stylish with a touch of culture.

Rania Yamin has become one of the Gen Z individuals who often dazzles in traditional batik attire. As a descendant of Mangkunegaraan Surakarta, Rania is enthusiastic about showcasing various styles of batik on her social media, ranging from very traditional to trendy.

With a contemporary style, batik feels increasingly relevant. From ancestral heritage to current fashion trends, batik has proven itself as a cultural symbol that transcends space and time. Let's start wearing the batik unique to your region now!

Author: Wina Afriyani A.

(kpl/wri)