Aug 12, 2020
How Batik Become An Indonesian Cultural Heritage That So Expensive
Batik is one of an Indonesian cultural heritage. The name of “Batik” are coming from the Javanese Language, from the words “amba” and “tik” meaning “writing a dot”. Batik isn’t just a literal word refers to the final product that we as an Indonesian use, Batik is way more than that. Batik or “Ambatik” is an ancient drawing technique that appeared in Indonesia, especially Java, at 6th century. It was brought by Indian’s trader and spreaded out throughout Java. At 12th century, another brand new Indonesian way of Batik using a tools called “canting”. We use a special fabric called “mori”, using “canting” and “lilin” to draw a special pattern. That’s called “Batik Tulis”.
Now, with that historical thing, no wonder why Batik, especially Batik Tulis is expensive. Here they are, the 3 most expensive Batik Tulis that Indonesian have ever made. First, it’s called “Batik Tiga Negeri”. Batik Tiga Negeri is a kind of Indonesian Batik that has a 3 different colors with the special combination and pattern that makes the production proccess is very important. It costs approx. Rp 100.000.000,- in Indonesian Rupiah or $6,500 in US Dollar.
Second, it’s called “Batik Indonesia Corak Belanda”. That kind of Batik is coming from The Dutch who interested with Indonesian pattern of Batik. So they made one with the Indonesian pattern combined with the European Culture. And the one who made that was Indonesian-European woman called Carolina Josephine Franqemont. The price is as same as Batik Tiga Negeri and are able to be more expensive at auction.
Third, we have “Batik Halus Cirebon”. The making proccess are very hard and the purpose of that pattern is such a historical. To finish a single Batik takes a year in the proccess. The price is approx. Rp 30.000.000,- in Indonesian Rupiah or $2,000 in US Dollar.
Now, here are some reasons why Batik Tulis are so expensive. You can say that the production proccess is the main reason of all. But i will explain the detail of that.
The production is using a manual way, like we need to draw it one by one and using a traditional tools. The creators of Batik must to having an artsy blood in order to make a special Batik. Usually making a Batik is a hereditary job. The proccess needs a huge amount of patiency for making a high art of Batik. A piece of Batik in the proccess the creators can’t be replaced with the others because it changes the character of that Batik.
You can imagine how hard the proccess of making a high quality Batik, especially Batik Tulis. This article is my way to introduce my culture, Indonesian Culture, one of it. This is the way of how proud i am for having this in my country.
