Sleman. Since the world recognized batik as an Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICC), the mandate for this noble legacy extends beyond preservation to the development of various innovations to ensure its sustainability, relevance, and competitiveness on the global stage. One such initiative is transformative measures in production.
The Governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, expressed this in his remarks at the opening of the International Batik Seminar which was the main event of the Jogja International Batik Biennale (JIBB) 2025. Held at The Kasultanan Ballroom, Royal Ambarrukmo Hotel, the seminar held on Thursday (02/10) raised the theme Batik In Motion: Bridging Tradition and Modernity.
“We need to boldly leap forward with innovation. In production, transformative steps must be taken, such as creating new products and diversifying motifs, so that batik doesn’t stagnate and transforms into contemporary works that resonate with generations. We encourage the use of environmentally friendly natural dyes, build strategic alliances with raw material suppliers, adopt modern technology without losing the artistic aura of batik, and provide training to foster a new generation of artisans who are both adaptable and creative,” explained Sri Sultan.
Sri Sultan stated that marketing must aggressively expand the digital ecosystem. Marketplaces and e-commerce are the new runways for batik. Communication with consumers must be personalized, so that every batik purchase feels like a cultural movement . Exposure at international exhibitions must also be increased, and collaboration with exporters deepened. Furthermore, it is crucial to emphasize to the public that printed batik is merely an industrial product, not a philosophically valuable craft .
“Within the support system, we must build a solid ecosystem foundation. Access to financing must be more inclusive, collaboration with financial institutions strengthened, and, no less importantly, the development of an online national batik database. Data is the “new oil .” With accurate data, our policies will be more precise, targeted, and sustainable,” said Sri Sultan.
Sri Sultan further stated that if production, marketing, and support systems are implemented synergistically, batik will not only be a cultural heritage but also a national strategy. Batik will become a laboratory for social, economic, and cultural innovation.
“It is a symphony of national identity. The motifs we wear are the philosophies we live by, and at the same time, they are the driving force behind the people’s well-being,” said Sri Sultan.
Therefore, Sri Sultan stated that this seminar provides a momentum to strengthen innovation and collaboration. The government plays a role in creating adaptive and supportive regulations; academics present research, innovation, and knowledge documentation; the business world provides investment, creativity, and market access; and the community preserves batik as a ” living heritage ” that lives on in everyday life.
“From Yogyakarta, we will continue to present batik to Indonesia. From Indonesia, we will continue to present batik to the world. Thus, batik remains a masterpiece of civilization, uniting tradition with modernity and giving meaning to life,” said Sri Sultan.
On the same occasion, the Daily Chair of the Yogyakarta Special Region’s Handicraft Council (Dekranasda), GKBRAA Paku Alam, reported that the JIBB is an effort to maintain the existence and consequences of the Special Region of Yogyakarta being named the World Batik City on October 18, 2014. This activity is a collaboration between Dekranasda DIY, the Yogyakarta Department of Industry and Trade, and related stakeholders .
“This event aims to develop the potential of small and medium batik industries and their derivatives in the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY); preserve cultural heritage, especially batik, for the younger generation; and boost the economic growth of the DIY community. Furthermore, it also aims to disseminate and grow batik SMEs in the Special Region of Yogyakarta and maintain Yogyakarta’s reputation as a World Batik City,” explained GKBRAA Paku Alam, also known as Gusti Putri.
JIBB 2025 is present as an event for batik appreciation and promotion packaged in a series of interesting and educational activities. Starting from JIBB Goes to School & Campus, which is a batik socialization program through a fashion show of student work, talk shows with batik speakers, and batik display exhibitions at schools and campuses. This event is spread across 5 high schools/vocational schools (SMAN 6 Yk, SMAN 3 Yk, SMAN 8 Yk, SMA Bosa and SMKN 1 Sewon) and 5 universities/campuses (UMY, UII, UPN) which was held from September 16-26, 2025.
The International Batik Seminar served as the main event , featuring batik expert speakers and a fashion show . The event also included the Grand Launch of Griya Batik. Meanwhile, the Gebyar Expo JIBB, a batik exhibition showcasing the work of 20 batik small and medium enterprises (SMEs), was held. The event ran for three days at Griya Batik, from October 3-5, 2025.
As the closing of JIBB 2025, the Sebatik (Bicycle with Batik) activity was also held, namely a casual cycling event wearing batik clothing involving participants from OPD throughout DIY, Dekranasda DIY, as well as cycling communities and the general public in Yogyakarta. This event was held on October 4, 2025, starting from the DIY Department of Industry and Trade via the tourist route, namely Tugu-Malioboro and stopping at Griya Batik and finishing at the DIY Department of Industry and Trade with a route length of approximately 15 KM.
“The theme of JIBB 2025 is expected to connect tradition and modernity, specifically the importance of connecting the traditional values of batik with modern needs and lifestyles. Batik is not only a symbol of past culture but can also be part of modern everyday life,” said Gusti Putri.
Furthermore, it is hoped that a balance will be struck between cultural heritage and innovation, emphasizing the importance of preserving batik’s cultural heritage while incorporating modern and innovative elements. This will ensure batik remains relevant and appealing to the wider public, and also raise awareness and appreciation. This theme is expected to raise public awareness and appreciation of the cultural values inherent in batik and promote batik as part of Indonesia’s cultural identity.
“Hopefully, the various series of activities of the Jogja International Batik Biennale (JIBB) 2025 will be able to provide a significant impact on trade and the creative economy in Yogyakarta, especially the batik sector and enhance Yogyakarta’s image as a World Batik City, which was established by the World Craft Council (WCC) in 2014,” concluded Gusti Putri.
The seminar opened with a fashion show showcasing batik collections from Yogyakarta designers, including Dewi Roesdji, Afif Syakur, Paradise Bati, Iffah M Dewi, and Dewi Dejee.
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