Batik is considered to be an essential part of the Indonesian culture. It carries cultural significance as it is being enormously embedded into the everyday lives of the people and it symbolizes their culture. Previously, different batiks could only be used on certain events and few could even express one’s social status. In Indonesia, each region has their own specialties and their own features compared to batiks from other regions.

History behind Batik

The word ‘Batik’ originated from ‘Ambatik’ which actually denotes clothes with minute and small dots in Javanese. To block certain areas of the cloth by using wax, batik workers will be able to generate various designs from dots, flowers or geometric shapes. Patterns can be drawn by using a pen-like tool to apply hot wax which is known as canting or stamped on the fabric, which is then dyed. The wax is then allowed to melt and dip it in normal water. Sometimes, the wax is melted particularly to add more tones to the batik cloth.

As stated by many data, batik was formerly exclusive only to the royal family. This ensured the utilization, conservation and admiration of Batik in Indonesia despite the approach of globalisation and modernisation rushing throughout Indonesia.  This valuable cultural aspect of Indonesia has therefore been incorporated in UNESCO’s “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” list.

Types of Batik Patterns

Batik has greatly thrived in Indonesia, despite being adapted from other cultures. Mostly, Java area has the most growth when it comes to creation and its utilization. Batik became more extensive and was adapted to several cultures and areas. Each area would have their own liking and a part of their culture embedded into the piece of cloth.

In this article I’m going to share different types of Batik motifs in Indonesia.

1. Batik Pesisir

Batik has become a visual representation of the intermixed culture that existed on the Coastal areas of Java and Madura. The creation of batik designs were influenced by its existence as a port for various foreign merchants. The undertones of Java are still seen in majority of the batik patterns as the main influence originated from there. The Javanese and Sundanese kingdoms are influenced by Cirebon which resulted in the Cirebon style batik. The coastal areas of Cirebon had more foreign impact and brighter colours due to its role as a port. You can also identify the cloud pattern, also known as Mega mendung, due to the Chinese influences such as the dragon and phoenix bird. In Chinese culture the use of red and yellow represents luck and prosperity. These days, there are other colours and patterns incorporated into their designs from yellow, green, brown and more. Conventional blue and red is used to represent masculinity.

2. Batik Kalimantan

Batik was introduced from Java or by localized development in Sumatra, Bali and Kalimantan. Though not as famous as other batik patterns, Batik benang bintik from central Kalimantan is used exclusively in weddings or traditional ceremonies and is now starting to pop up in local designers’ works. Designs are inspired by the Dayak culture, including their Kaharingan belief. Pohon batang garing, or the tree of life is one of the important patterns from this religion. The colors which are generally used are yellow, blue, green, red, black and brown.

3. Batik Jepara

Jepara Batik which is also known as Batik kartini are generally found to be of two types of motifs, old and new. The old patterns are distinguished with its black color, brown elephants, flora and fauna of green, screw leaf, animals of nature and many more. However, the latest batik has more variations in colours, pattern and drawing style.

4. Batik Bali

Balinese batik have bright, vivid and varied colours. These designs also incorporate flora and fauna patterns, inspired by Javanese designs in Pekalongan. Balinese designs that clearly show its signature would have patterns of mythical creatures like Singa Barong or aspects of Balinese culture like traditional dancers.

5. Batik Pedalaman

Some of the oldest types of batik from Indonesia are inland batik from Java, Yogyakarta and Surakarta.  From the mataram kingdom-regal predecessors of the current kingdom of Yogyakarta and Surakarta, batik in these areas have spanned hundreds of years back. Batik patterns from these areas adhered to strict codes and rules since it was work by royalty. Colours used were restricted to black, indigo, sogan (brown-toned palette) or brown yellow.

6. Batik Malang

Malang has its own distinctive batik style, although it quite resembles to Javanese style batik. Rather than being just limited to dark colours such as brown and black, Malang is famous for having bright colours. Green, red and purple are some of the colours that are used mostly. Another attribute of Malang batik is the use of white borders on their floral and plant patterns.

7. Batik Aceh

Aceh batik are drawn in more radiant tones. Designs drawn are mostly in the shape of flowers, plants, clouds and other aspects of Acehnese culture. An interesting fact is that Acehnese batik will unlikely have animal patterns as it goes against Islamic teachings of not wearing the images of live animals. Nonetheless, you will most likely find batik cloths in Aceh exude glamour due to their use of vivid colours.

8. Batik Tulungagung

It is a combination between Kediri and Malang style. It has the same spotted features from Kediri style and merges it with the white outlines from Malang style. Albeit having similar features to Kediri style, batik from some regions are darker in color and some others are brighter in color. As a consequence, their batik also provides a very elegant look to wearers.

9. Batik Banten

Batik from Banten is extremely different from other batik in Indonesia. It is dominated by pastel shades and brightly coloured. This is thought to personify the soft yet cheerful nsture of the Banten people. While in reality, that is not the actual reason behind the change in batik style, as Banten’s batik style was heavily influenced by the Chinese who immigrated to Indonesia. Islamic influence has also played a significant role since some of the batik had Arabic touches as well.

10.  Batik Kediri

Batik Kediri is known to have a lot of spotted motif. It is also known to be one of the most popular batik motifs in Indonesia and used by various designers in their collections. This style also portrays a very elegant image of those who wear it. Some of the signature images painted on their batik are Kuda lumping, burung Garuda, the Simpang Lima Gumul monument (L’ Arc D’Triomphe of Kediri).

Previously in the past, batik could only be used during special occasions and did not have much variety in their style. Indonesian designers have recently adapted Indonesian batik to follow the latest fashion trends. As a result, batik is now much more admired and popular in Indonesia.