Batiks Beyond Java
In 2009, Indonesian batik was designated a 'Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity' by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). Batik has flourished since the late 1800s but, until recently, only in Java. Today, however, other regions in Indonesia have begun creating their own batik motifs, applying their own distinct artistic traditions. Jimmy Afar, a designer from Papua, introduced the art of batik-making to women in Papua. Meanwhile, Nurcahaya from North Sumatra uses traditional Batak patterns in her creations. Tempo English reports on the development of the increasingly diverse batik industry, in celebration of National Batik Day on October 2.
October 11, 2016
Batik from the East
Jimmy Afaar has been popularizing Papuan batik since 2005. He incorporates traditional patterns from different tribes in his design.
EVERY morning, Salomina Mallo sits by a large sheet of cotton cloth with a canting, or a spouted batik etching tool, in hand. She then carefully draws dots and patterns with wax on the fabric. The 60-year-old woman has no problem creating intricate details with precision.
"I have been doing batik for
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