Batik

Batik is a textile art and dyeing technique in which wax is applied to fabric to create resist patterns. It originated in Indonesia and has become strongly associated with Java, though various regions across the archipelago have developed distinctive styles. The craft has long been part of local trade, ceremony, and fashion.

In batik, wax is applied to fabric to block dye from penetrating the treated areas. Traditionally, wax is drawn with a canting, a small heated tool that lays down fine lines, or applied with stamps called cap or tjap for repeated motifs. After waxing, the fabric is dyed; the waxed areas resist the dye, leaving lighter lines and patterns. The process can be repeated with additional waxing and dyeing to build complex, multi-colored designs. The wax is later removed to reveal the final patterns. Materials commonly used include cotton and silk, and traditional dyes were natural, though modern batik often employs synthetic dyes.

Batik styles are regionally diverse. Batik tulis refers to hand-drawn batik using canting, while batik cap relies on stamps for patterning. Common motifs include kawung (palm blossom), parang (blade), and mega Mendung (cloud patterns), with regional variations in color and density. The craft supports both ceremonial and everyday use and contributes to local economies in centers such as Pekalongan, Surakarta, and Yogyakarta.

Batik was designated by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity in 2009. Today it remains a living craft practiced in Indonesia and in other parts of the world, including Malaysia and West Africa, often blending traditional motifs with contemporary design.