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Batik (or the word Batik) originate from the javanese word “amba” wich means writing and “nitik”. the word batik
itself refers to the technique of pattern making using “canting” or “cap” – and a wax-resist dyeing technique used
on textile to hold the absorbment of the coloring ink. So batik textile is a textile which had variative decorative
pattern and motive which is made using “canting” and “cap” and a wax-resist dyeing technique. This technique can
only be applied to on a fabric made of natural fibre such as cotton, silk, wol and cannot be applied on a fabric
made of synthetic fibre(polyester). Textile which is not produced using batik technique is known as “batik pattern
textile” – usually made in a wide range of industrial scale with printing technique – not a batik textile.

Batik is a craftmanship that has a high value of art and has become parts of Indonesian culture (espescially
javanese culture) for ages. Javanese Women in the past made their ability in making batik as a source of living, So
in past times “membatik”(making batik) is a job exclusively for women until the innovation of “batik cap” that
allowed the entrance for men in this bussiness. There are several exception for this phenomenon, it is the “batik
pesisir” which had more maskulin line as seen on the “mega mendung” pattern, where in several coastline area,
“membatik” is a common job for men.

The Variety of pattern and colour of batik also had foreign influence. At first, batik only had limited colour and
pattern, and several pattern can only be wear by a certain people(mainly nobles). but the “Batik pesisir” absorbs
many foreign influence, namely forign marchants and also finally the dutch conqueror. Bright colour like red was
made polupar by the Chinese ethnics, who also introduced the phoenix pattern. European conqueror also had interest
in the batik textile, the outcome of that isthe flower pattern not known before(like the tulip pattern) and also
some of the belongings and architecture bought by the dutch conqueror (buildings and horse chariot), it also include
their favourite colour(blue). Traditional batik still preserve its color, and is still weared in certain
traditional ceremonies, because usually each pattern has its own meaning.

The batik technique has been known for thousand years. There is no known history and literature for the origin of
batik. Some say that this technique are originated from the Sumerian, and then spread trough java after being
brought there by Indian merchants. At this time batik can also be found in many countries like Indonesia, Malaysia,
Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, and Iran. Besides Asia, batik is also popular in seeveral countries in African
Continent. Altough, the most famous batik is the one originated from Indonesia, espescially from java.
The Batik tradition at first is a tradition passed down among families , so you can tell one pattern from another by
which family made them. Some batik pattern shows ones whealth status. Even untill today, some Batik pattern can
only be used by “Keraton Yogyakarta and Surakarta” Royal Family.

Batik is a heritage from Indonesian (javanese) ancestor which still exist until today. Batik is also firstly
promoted to the world by President Soeharto (Indonesian 2nd president after Soekarno), at the UN Conference in
jakarta.

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