Batik Garment - Kemendag

to generation. This is also apparent in the use of color that modern designers use. Artisans
are no longer dependent on traditional (natural) dyes, but have the freedom to
experiment with a rich array of colors that chemical dyes can produce. Nevertheless,
modern batik still utilizes the traditional tools of batik, i.e. the canting and the cap to
create their intricate modern designs. Thus, the horizons of batik are expanding but
their roots are still deeply buried in tradition.
Although the process of making batik remained basically the same over several
centuries, the process has made great progress in recent decades. Traditionally, batik
was sold in 90 X 250 centimeter lengths used for wrap skirts (kain panjang) to be used
with a ‘Kebaya’ or blouse, which form the basic pieces of the Indonesian traditional
dress for women. Nowadays, batik is not only used as a material to clothe the human
body, but it is also used as furnishing fabrics, heavy canvas wall hangings,
tablecloths and household accessories. In addition, batik techniques are used by
artists to create batik paintings which beautify many homes, offices, hotels and
other public buildings.
Machine Printed Batik Textile
Another influence of modern technology is the production of
batik textile which is the printing of Batik designs on cotton or synthetic
fabrics using modern machinery. As a result, the process is
quick, low cost and easy to produce; however, mass production
cannot produce quality art. Batik textile is mainly used for school
and office uniforms and household utilities.
The emergence of print and stamp batik produced by modern
machines on a large scale has adversely affected batik tulis on the
market. This is because factory made batik is much cheaper in price
compared to batik tulis. Furthermore, the designs of the factory
produced batiks which integrate contrasting colors and modern
designs have a much stronger appeal to the younger generations
than the traditional batiks such as batik tulis which has preserved
its characteristic colors of brown, blue, black and yellow and its
traditional motives of animals and flowers which are also considered
somewhat monotonous.
14 Batik The Cultural Beauty