PORTALJABAR, GARUT REGENCY - Batik, a patterned cloth with distinctive motifs, has long been known as Indonesia's world-famous cultural heritage.

According to the Big Indonesian Dictionary (KBBI), batik is a patterned cloth made by applying wax to the cloth, then processing it using a certain technique.

Since October 2, 2009, batik has been officially recognized as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, so that every October 2, 2024 is commemorated as National Batik Day in Indonesia.

Among the various types of batik from various regions in Indonesia, Garutan batik stands out for its uniqueness.

The motifs and patterns of Garutan Batik reflect the local wisdom of Garut, and have been known for a long time. According to information from the Indonesian Fine Arts Gallery (GBSRI) website, Garutan batik has developed from generation to generation since before Indonesia's independence.

In 1945, Garutan Batik became increasingly known as “garutan hand-drawn batik” and reached its peak between 1967 and 1985.

Currently, in the midst of the current of globalization, Garut batik still exists thanks to the dedication of local craftsmen, one of whom is Euis Sukaesih (67), a batik craftsman from Paledang Batik Village, Garut City.

Despite her advanced age, Euis remains enthusiastic to continue working. She explained that her batik skills were inherited from her grandmother since 1974 and continued to be passed down to her children and grandchildren.

He explained that making batik takes around 1-2 months, and the length of time depends on the motif that needs to be made.

For now, Euis added, she sells batik through her nephew, to be marketed to customers either offline through her shop or online through her social media.

"Ngabatik unggal dinten (makes batik every day), this is my mother's child (can also make batik), yes, it has been passed down from generation to generation from grandmother, to children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, who can do it," said Euis when met at his residence in Paledang Batik Village, Garut Kota District, Garut Regency (1/10/2024).

Apart from Euis, Kristi Jesica (37), owner of the Batik KJ Indonesia business, also contributed to preserving Garutan batik. Kristi said that sales of Garutan batik were stable, especially since the presence of the Paledang Batik Village which attracted visitors from within and outside the country.

"Since the presence of Kampung Batik Paledang, there has been (an increase in sales), coincidentally after the branding, many guests came here, in other words, if for example those who are on vacation happen to be walking around here, browsing, there are people coming here, from Jakarta, from Bandung, Tangerang, there are also some from outside the country," he said.

She also innovates products, such as scarves and wall hangings, to answer the market's ever-growing, more varied tastes. "Hopefully in the future there will be ready-to-wear too," said Kristi.

However, Kristi admitted that the regeneration of batik craftsmen is quite difficult. The younger generation tends to choose jobs with fixed salaries, while the batik process requires time and patience. To overcome this, Kristi does not give up hope, she actively introduces batik skills to children and the surrounding environment, and provides education to school students, so that the regeneration of Garutan Batik craftsmen is not interrupted.

"Hopefully tomorrow (Wednesday) we will also have an event here for education, well for education tomorrow we will be free, hopefully we will see how enthusiastic they are, hopefully we can regenerate it from this batik day which will be held tomorrow, said Kristi hopefully. Hopefully we will see how enthusiastic they are, hopefully we can regenerate it from this batik day which will be held tomorrow," said Kristi hopefully.

Another story was told by Ria Apriani (42), owner of the Batik CeuRia brand, who is also no less active in introducing Garutan batik on the international stage.

He often participates in exhibitions at home and abroad, and notes that the unique motifs and typical colors of Garutan batik such as blue, yellow, red, and dark brown are always a special attraction for consumers. He tries to play with colors in making the batik, but does not leave the unique motifs of Garutan batik.

Batik CeuRia is also no less active in introducing Garutan batik to the international scene.

He often participates in domestic and international exhibitions, and notes that the unique motifs and typical colors of Garutan batik such as blue, yellow, red and dark brown are always a special attraction for consumers.

"Thank God, I received certificates for my achievements, and prizes too, and yesterday, thank God, it was Batik Day, and thank God, I also won a prize at the Ciplaz Fashion Show, thank God," said Ria.

Like several other craftsmen, Ria hopes that the next generation can maintain and preserve Garutan batik, so that Garutan batik will not become extinct.

"Because nowadays, young people work instantly, like in offices, in factories, while there is no one to continue the preservation of this culture, no one wants to," he hoped.

In this case, the Garut Regency Government also supports the sustainability of Garut batik. Head of the Garut Industry, Trade, Energy, and Mineral Resources Agency (Disperindag ESDM), Ridwan Effendi, said that the Garut Regency Government continues to foster and develop batik artisans through training and certification.

One of the efforts made was the issuance of a circular requiring government employees to wear Garutan batik every Friday.

With this policy, Ridwan hopes to encourage business actors in the batik artisan industry sector to be motivated to continue developing and increasing the production of Garutan batik, in addition to maintaining its existence.

"Including in several specific events, we hold festivals, then we also hold several fashion show activities, to be able to develop, maintain," explained Ridwan.

On the momentum of National Batik Day, Ridwan hopes that Garutan batik will continue to exist amidst the flow of globalization, and that craftsmen can continue to innovate and synergize with various parties.

Efforts to regenerate batik craftsmen are also a priority, so that this cultural heritage remains alive and develops in the future.

"Our hope for the future is that the people of Garut can love and be prouder to wear Batik Garut," concluded Ridwan. (Garut Communication and Information Service/Fauziah)