Institut Teknologi Bandung

The event was held on Saturday (24/9/2022) to introduce batik culture to international students from various countries. Batik Komar offered facilities for batik culture exposure, the creation process, and waste disposal for more than 50 students. The students were also given opportunities to create batik with their own creativity.

Upon arriving at the location, the welcoming scenery was the traditional architecture and the batik washing procedure. Afterward, the guide directed the students toward the workshop area to observe the batik creation process. The technique used by Batik Komar involves written batik using canting and pressed stamp batik. A new technique was also introduced through binding the canting with a string, thus hanged, with the fabric laid upon the ground. The string is manipulated so the melted wax will fall onto the fabric, creating specific patterns.

The guide also explained that authentic batik must utilize wax. Therefore the fabric cannot be made of polyester or plastic. Every primary color of the batik also possesses its own uniqueness, such as blue, which cannot wipe out waxes.

Students can create their batik using a 15x15 cm fabric. Most students choose to create batik using the pressed stamp technique because it is easier. They can also select more designs like becak, flowers, or beloved cartoon characters.

“I am very interested in the batik creation process. I can express my creativity through making batik. The atmosphere of this place also supported a lot,” remarked Robin, a student from Germany, when asked about his impression of Batik Komar.

Alia, Vikesh, and Taufiq are also exchange students from Malaysia. They are mesmerized by the Indonesian Batik culture, especially after witnessing its creation process from the beginning. They also love the souvenirs they will bring back to their home countries.

Reporter: Alvina Putri Nabilah (Biology, 2019)
Translator: Firzana Aisya (Bioengineering, 2021)