Batik Class I-YES 2024: A Harmonious Blend of Art, Philosophy, and Creativity

HUMANIORA – (September 11, 2024) The third day of the International Youth Enhancing Study (I-YES) 2024 program was filled with enthusiasm as participants from various countries delved into one of Indonesia’s most iconic cultural heritages—batik (Sept 11). In a warm and creative atmosphere, participants not only learned theoretical knowledge about the history and techniques of batik but also had the opportunity to engage directly in the creative process of making their own batik artwork.

The event, held in front of the Faculty of Humanities building, was part of the Batik Class session, led by Fikrah Ryanda Saputra, a batik expert from the Hamparan Rintik community. Fikrah explained various aspects of batik art, from coloring techniques to the philosophy behind the different batik motifs found in various regions of Indonesia. “Batik is not just a pattern on fabric; it is a symbolic language that reflects the local values and history of our society,” he explained.

Fikrah also introduced several batik-making techniques, including batik tulis, one of the oldest and most revered techniques in the world of batik art. This technique requires precision and patience, as the motifs are drawn directly onto the fabric using hot wax.

In this session, participants were encouraged to experiment with different motifs. While there were no specific rules for choosing motifs, some participants chose traditional designs like Topeng Malangan, while others experimented with contemporary designs, showcasing their own creativity.

After learning the basics, participants continued to the Batik Workshop, where they took part in the hands-on batik-making process. Using simple materials like white fabric, brushes, and a black liquid made from red salt mixtures, participants were free to express their ideas on the cloth. Nindhi Priya, a participant from India, expressed her fascination with the process. "I’m really interested in this activity because it provides so much knowledge, especially about Indonesian culture through batik," she said.

One of the most interesting aspects of the workshop was the variety of techniques used by the participants. Some opted for the traditional batik tulis technique, while others experimented with tie-dye methods. One participant, for instance, chose to draw tribal motifs from India, which he said represented the concept of unity. After the drawing process, the fabric was boiled to strengthen the colors before being dried, resulting in a beautiful and unique finished product.

At the end of the session, Fikrah expressed his hope that events like this would continue and involve more participants from around the world. “I hope this event can be held annually so that Indonesian culture, especially the crafts from Malang, can be more widely known internationally,” he said with enthusiasm.

This activity successfully combined education and creativity in a lively international atmosphere. Through the Batik Class and Workshop, participants not only gained new insights into Indonesian culture but also played an active role in preserving and developing the art of batik. The I-YES 2024 program, with its variety of activities, demonstrated how traditional culture can be a bridge across cultures, connecting people from around the world. As one of the cultural heritages recognized by UNESCO, batik symbolizes harmony and creativity, uniting differences and inspiring cross-national collaboration.

With great enthusiasm, I-YES 2024 participants not only got to know batik as an art form but also as a cultural expression that reflects history, local values, and the potential for continuous development in the future. [rzl]