Batik - An Identity of Indonesia
It is because the process includes two factors: coloring techniques and the choice of the motifs. This step is not easy since every motif should have a characteristic.

Indonesian believe that the existence of Batik started in Majapahit era, and increasingly popular in the end of 18th century or he beginning of 19th century. Batik was actually purely handmade, but later on, as the technology has developed, it is mostly printed. What supports this change the most is the amount of orders. The handmade ones do need long time of painting, but the printed ones need shorter time.

Years ago, batik was only worn in formal occasions. At that time, Indonesian tend to choose batik instead of tuxedo or other formal outfits. But today, batik is even worn by students and employees as their uniform in certain days, such as every Friday.

In some families, Batik is even considered as a tradition. It makes them have their own motifs which are different from other families. It is like their identity, since the motifs can even show their economical status. Until now, the traditional motifs are still used by the family of Yogyakarta and Surakarta residence. Tools for making batik:

Some of the tools here are in Indonesian term but I'm sure you will understand.

1. Mori fabric (can be made from silk, cotton, or a mixture of polyester fabric)

2. Pencil

3. Canting (this is for creating design using wax)

4. Gawangan (this is the place to hang fabric when you are creating design)

5. Liquid wax

6. Small pan

7. Small stove (to heat the wax)

8. Solvent dyes

Here we go, we are all set to making batik.

1. First on how to making batik, we make the initial pattern or design by using pencil. In Indonesian this pattern in this step is called "molani". For the expert batik makers, they are able to create their own motif. But for beginners, it is advisable to follow the common motifs that are available.

2. After you finished creating molani, the next step is painting with molten wax by using canting by following the pattern that had been made before.

3. Cover the parts that will remain colorless by using wax. Use canting on detailed sections and use the brush on the large areas.

4. The fourth step is the coloring process by dipping the fabric into certain solvent dyes.

5. Drying the fabric that has been dipped.

6. If you want to have several colors, then the step number 3, 4, and 5 should be repeated several times depending on how many colors you want.

7. When the color of whole part of fabric has changed, it is time to boil it with hot water. The purpose of this process is to eliminate the wax so that the motive that has been created can be viewed clearly. In Indonesia, this process is called "nglorot".

8. It is like their identity, since the motifs can even show their economical status. Until now, the traditional motifs are still used by the family of Yogyakarta and Surakarta residence. Batik is probably the most unique outfit you have ever known. Where else you can find that brands do not talk much, but motifs do?



batik