IULI BATIKFEST Preseving the Beauty of Indonesian Batik

On the 13th of May, business and social studies students from The International University Liaison Indonesia (IULI) joined BATIKFEST: Melestarikan Pesona Batik Indonesia, a small event hosted by IULI’s Business Social Science Faculty at Sanggar Batik Kembang Mayang. The purpose of the event was to immerse the students in the rich history and art of batik making. By the end of the event, the students would be provided with a certificate and a newfound understanding of one of Indonesia’s rich cultures.

The 13th marked the first day of this fascinating 3-day batik adventure. On this day, the students were taken to Sanggar Batik at 7 in the morning, and then divided into three groups after a brief introduction from their host, Aswin from IBA Study Program. Once the groups were formed, Tono from International Relation Study Program and Jeremy from International Management study program provided information on the different types of batik, followed by Verena from Aviation Management Study Program who explained the process of making batik.

After the introductions and explanations, the students themselves were given the freedom to create their own batik using the canting technique and adding color to their designs. For those unfamiliar, canting is a crucial process in batik making. It involves using a small, handheld tool called a canting, which has a reservoir for holding liquid wax and a spout or nozzle with a tiny hole. Artists use the canting to draw lines or apply wax to the fabric, allowing intricate designs to be created. The wax acts as a resist during the dyeing process, resulting in unique patterns and designs.

The canting allows artists to have precise control over the flow of wax, enabling them to create intricate details in the batik design. Skilled batik artists use the canting to draw fine lines, dots, and other intricate motifs on the fabric. This process requires steady hands and years of practice to master. Canting Batik is an integral part of Indonesian cultural heritage, passed down through generations. It is widely used to create beautiful and unique batik textiles, used for clothing, home décor, and various other purposes.

Once the making process was completed, Naufal Ali from IBA study program provided a brief explanation on the business and trading aspects of batik, concluding the first day of the batik adventure. Which ends approximately 12 o’clock. (Cyl/Afw)