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The greatness of a nation can be seen through in the cultural heritages. For Indonesia, one of its cultural heritages that deserves to be highly appreciated is Batik. The name of Batik derives from two Javanese words, Amba which means to write and Titik means to dot. From the name, it is obvious that Batik was originally from Indonesia and owned by the country.
A recognition from UNESCO, stating Batik as an intangible cultural heritage from Indonesia on October 2nd, 2009 breaks Malaysia’s claim over Batik. That has made Indonesians relieved, who clearly inherit Batik from their ancestors. Malaysia’s claim over Batik, substantively strengthen Batik’s position which is not only regarded as a cultural masterpiece, but also has high economic value for tourism.
Common people maybe merely recognize the beauty of Batik for its motif and colour. However, the beauty of Batik also lies in the deep philosophy which is contained in it and apparent in the Batik making process.
To make Batik, it will take a long step which is started by drawing a motif on a sheet of calico. Batik motif can be either simple or complicated, it depends on the Batik painter’s preference or order from consumers. A challenge will come up when a Batik painter choose to draw the complicated ones. The Batik painter must be imaginative and skillful in drawing the motif. Then, the motif drawn calico will be painted with wax, using a special wax dropping tool called canting.
There are three steps to paint the Batik motif using wax; nggaris-making line, nitik-making dots, and nemboki-blocking some parts of Batik with wax. In order to keep the motif well painted, Batik makers should be careful in dropping wax on the motif. They should avoid mis-painting. So here, discipline is deeply stressed in this process. The next process is dipping that usually takes many times to get different colours on Batik. And finally, Batik will be washed to omit dirt and be hung dry.
All of those steps are carried out to pursue the perfection of Batik result that is just dedicated to Batik consumers. From the description of the long process of Batik making, we can take lessons about creativity, patience, discipline, and dedication.
The second philosophy of Batik lies deeply inside the motif. Batik’s motif is varied, it depends on the region where some Batik motifs grow. Yogyakarta has its own motifs, so do Pekalongan. The variety of Batik motifs is related to the history of Javanese society. In the past, there were some Batiks which were only for king and his royal family, such as Parang Rusak Barong, Udan Riris, Semen, and Cemungkiran. Those motifs were classified as forbidden motifs, meaning restricted for being worn by common people. Other interesting history also tells us that merchants made their own motifs to state their social status. Despite being the symbol of feodalism, Batik still contains noble philosophy in its motif.
For instance, Parang Rusak which is formed of ornament of flame (uceng) depicts the symbol of anger and ornament of water (Blumbangan or Mlinjon) symbolizes good desire. Parang Rusak has meaning about victory in the war againts evil mind where people are able to control their prurient so they have good temper and can behave nicely.
Other interesting motif is Semen Ageng consisting motif of tree of life that depicts wealth, and motif of universe guardian symbolizes justice and authority. In this motif, we also can find motif of plant depicting fertility, motif of wind meaning virtousity, and also motif of Garuda (a mystical bird) symbolizing power and leadership. From this motif, we can infer that the leader who wears that kind of Batik should have good character, virtousity, sense of justice, toughness to face any life hindrance, and also protects his people and surrounding.
Batik in Indonesian society becomes more meaningful when it is used as a daily attire for its people like nowadays. Batik always adheres to the people’s body so it is presented in any occasion. With its beautiful motif, anyone who wears batik will look very nice and mature. However, the power of Batik also stretches to other dimension. Regarding to human’s character that tends to be forgetful, the presence of Batik can be regarded as a medium of self-reflection. Batik can remind us about virtue. By always wearing batik, people are expected to think and behave as the Batik motif painted on clothes they wear.
The long lasting existence of Batik depends on the Indonesian people’s appreciation. To appreciate Batik, Indonesian people should make some efforts. Firstly, Indonesian people, especially the young must be proud of having Batik and should not be ashamed to wear Batik in any occasion. Take Batik as our fashion identity. In fact, we can choose various motif from the classic motif to the contemporary ones which are fit for us. It will boost the development of Batik industry. Secondly, don’t be reluctant to learn how to make Batik. Making Batik is an exciting activity that can drive our creativity and train self-discipline. Lastly, Indonesian people should practice the noble philosophy contained inside the Batik in daily life. If so, Batik and its good lessons will be everlasting and guiding us to carry on our life well.
Let's wear Batik anytime!