Addressing Batik Artist Decline through Education
Hilmar Farid, Director General of Culture at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek), stressed the necessity to revive batik artists, particularly batik tulis. Hilmar says this regeneration is crucial because batik art and artisans are declining. Education is vital for enhancing and preparing successors to combat this decrease, according to Hilmar.
Hilmar addressed reservations about batik’s contemporary use, which often involves formalities and obligations, at Jakarta’s National Batik Day. He noted that young people lack a genuine knowledge of batik’s profound philosophy and principles.
The Superficial Batik Adoption Challenge
Modern batik art use typically lacks a profound understanding of its rich history, philosophy, and cultural significance. Hilmar Farid stated that batik history, philosophy, and culture are lacking. This deficit leads to batik prescriptions rather than spontaneous embrace fueled by a deep cultural awareness.
Hilmar commended prior initiatives, such as boosting Friday batik wear after its 2009 world heritage status. Despite its excellent impact on awareness, Hilmar underlined the necessity for a deeper engagement with batik beyond monthly advice.
Positive Habits and Norms Shape Batik Adoption
Hilmar noted that habituation might create beneficial norms. Hilmar cited former DKI Jakarta Governor Ali Sadikin’s 45-year-old attempt to promote batik as an alternative to suits. Batik shirts are now generally recognized and enjoyed by the public.
“Batuik now has many shirt models. Maybe nobody wore batik 100 years ago. About 45 years ago, former DKI Governor Ali Sadikin introduced batik as a suit alternative. Everyone wears it now “said Hilmar.
Preserving Batik Art through Education
Hilmar stressed the importance of education in preserving batik art. Schools, through coursework, extracurricular activities, or batik centers, teach children about batik creation.
Hilmar believes that batik-making requires concentration, perseverance, and patience, so batik centers offering classes for youngsters are a good method to pass on skills and information.
Indonesian Batik Museum Role
The Indonesian Batik Museum’s latest opening provides a larger platform for teaching young people about batik. Hilmar sees the museum as a significant resource that shares Indonesia’s batik civilization’s history, culture, philosophy, values, and vast collection.
Protecting Batik Art for Future Generations
Hilmar Farid stresses the importance of schools, especially vocational schools (SMK), in passing on batik art. He mentioned a Pekalongan batik school that has been recognized for its dedication to batik teaching and the link between vocational schools and batik centers.
Finally, Hilmar Farid stresses the importance of merging education, cultural awareness, and hands-on experience to preserve Indonesian batik as a cultural treasure. Indonesia can preserve batik art for future generations by establishing a real love of it in children.