There are many fascinating things that you may not know about batik just yet. (For example: turns out, the word “batik” is actually an abbreviation!)
On the 2nd of October, 2009, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) internationally recognised batik as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity from Indonesia. Since then, every year, the 2nd of October has been designated National Batik Day. With that spirit in mind, here Indonesia Expat breaks down 10 fun facts about batik that could intrigue both the locals and the expatriates alike. Ultimately, batik is more than just a piece of art.
(The list is presented in no particular order.)
The word ‘batik’ is an abbreviation
Many people think that the word “batik” comes from Javanese or another ancient language. However, the word “batik” is actually an abbreviation of two words: “amba,” meaning “to write”, and “tik,” meaning “dot”. Literally, batik can be interpreted as the art of writing with dots. This term refers to the batik-making technique using a canting (a type of writing tool), where the artisan draws patterns on the cloth using hot wax, carefully placed, as if writing with tiny dots.
Batik is the art of patience
The batik technique typically involves a high level of patience and precision. Each line and tiny dot becomes part of the motif that ultimately forms a beautiful pattern. This also explains why traditional batik usually takes a long time to complete, as every detail must be executed with great precision.
Batik is not an ‘object’, but a ‘process’
More often than not, most people may think of batik as a fabric product with a specific pattern. However, terminologically, the word “batik” does not actually refer to an object; instead, it refers to a certain process. This process involves various detailed stages, from drawing the motif onto the fabric with hot wax to dyeing and then removing the wax to reveal the desired motif. Because batik is a process, in actuality, the end result can be anything—fabric, clothing, or even wall decorations.
The process of batik always begins with the ‘N’ letter
Did you know that the batik-making process always begins with the letter “N”? The process includes, just to name a few: Nyungging (creating a batik pattern on paper); Njaplak (transferring the pattern from paper to fabric); Nglowong (applying wax to the fabric using a canting or a hand-held pen along the pattern lines); Ngiseni (adding filling or isen-isen motifs to motifs that have been applied with wax); Nyolet (colouring floral or bird motifs with a brush); Nembok (covering the base of the fabric that does not need to be colored), and; Ngelir (completely dyeing the fabric).
Batik has existed since the Majapahit era
The history of batik in Indonesia is inseparable from the influence of the great kingdoms that once ruled the archipelago. One of the oldest traces of batik was found during the Majapahit Kingdom, around the 13th century. At that time, batik was used as ceremonial attire for kings and nobles. In fact, some batik motifs developed in Central Java today still retain patterns and colours similar to those from the Majapahit era. Moreover, the strong influence of Hindu and Buddhist culture during the Majapahit era is also reflected in classic batik patterns, such as wayang motifs, flora, and fauna inspired by great epic stories like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
There is a unique style of batik called ‘Three Countries Batik’
Three Countries Batik is a unique type of batik that is not made in just one place. As the name suggests, the process of making this batik involves three different regions: Solo, Lasem, and Pekalongan. Each region adds its own distinctive colours and motifs, reflecting the unique culture and batik techniques of each region. Typically, Solo uses blue or sogan (brown) as the main motif, Lasem adds its distinctive red, and Pekalongan complements it with other bright colours. The process of making Three Countries Batik requires a long time and a high level of skill. Each dyeing step must be carried out carefully to ensure the resulting colours don’t mix.
Batik motifs used to indicate social status
In the past, batik motifs were not simply decorations on cloth, but symbols of a person’s social status. Some batik motifs were only permitted to be worn by royalty or nobility, such as the Parang and Kawung motifs. In fact, there were specific prohibitions for the general public to wear certain motifs, as these motifs were considered sacred and could only be worn during certain ceremonies. For example, the Parang Rusak motif, which symbolises power and courage, was permitted only for kings and the royal family. Meanwhile, the Kawung motif, which symbolises purity and justice, was often worn by spiritual leaders or community leaders.
Batik has enjoyed international recognition
The popularity of batik has been recognised not only domestically but also internationally. Several world figures have been seen wearing batik on various occasions. One example is the late Nelson Mandela, mostly known as the former President of South Africa, who was known for frequently wearing batik shirts at both formal and casual events. In fact, his batik shirts were known as “Mandela Shirts” in South Africa. Besides Mandela, other figures such as the late Queen Elizabeth II, Bill Gates, and the renowned late designer Oscar de la Renta have also expressed their admiration for batik. Additionally, when Indonesia hosted the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit (APEC II) held in 1994, there were 17 heads of state and heads of government from APEC countries who wore batik tulis.
Batik tulis is typically the most expensive batik
Today, batik-making methods have evolved. Besides the traditional wax-based method (batik tulis), batik is also produced using stamps and printing. Nevertheless, until today as well, batik tulis is still commonly considered the most expensive type of batik as it requires a manual, by-hand process that takes years to create. Stamped batik, on the other hand, is made using an iron that has been patterned and then dipped in wax. In contrast to batik tulis, printed batik, which utilises a screen-printing technique, is commonly regarded as the most affordable type of batik-patterned fabric.
UNESCO designates batik as a world heritage
On the 2nd of October, 2009, under the administration of then-President of the Republic of Indonesia, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated batik as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. This historic event ultimately led to the Indonesian people commemorating National Batik Day every 2nd of October. This UNESCO decision underscores that batik originates from Indonesia and cannot be recognised by other countries. UNESCO believes that Indonesian batik possesses numerous symbols closely linked to local culture, social status, nature, and the history of the country.