ALTHOUGH there has been a rising awareness of batik’s traditional charm, more integrated efforts from all stakeholders are needed to preserve its intricate artistry and promote its beauty.
National Textile Museum senior curator Rosidah Abdullah says efforts to reintroduce the artistry of local batik through campaigns are ongoing, but require a more wholesome approach.
“The museum has been advocating the wearing of batik. We conducted campaigns in schools to boost awareness of the beauty of batik to students.
“The idea is to pass on local batik’s heritage to the next generation,” she says, adding that many cultural events which focus on batik are done in collaboration with universities.
Although batik was mentioned in the Malay Annals from as early as the 17th century, Rosidah says its presence in pre-Merdeka Malaya began in 1921.
Traders from the east coast travelled to Pekalongan, Indonesia, to learn the block batik technique back in 1921 and introduced the art of batik-making here.
“Kelantan batik designs were influenced by kain pelangi from Pattani, Thailand.”
Rosidah lauds cultural campaigns and initiatives to make batik a must-have item in every person’s wardrobe.
She says the museum is advocating the use of batik sarong through various events.
While Kelantan and Terengganu are known for their unique batik designs, Rosidah says they inspire batik Kedah, which is known for different shades of a single colour.
“Batik Kedah traditionally has one colour in different hues and it is popular with the people in Kedah.
“However, this does not mean that the designs originate from Kedah.”
Rosidah says Malaysian batik has more vibrant colours with floral or abstract motifs compared with Indonesian batik.
“When it was introduced, batik came with floral and abstract motifs due to the influence of Islamic designs. Objects that resemble humans or animals are forbidden in Islam.
“Over the years, batik styles have evolved due to customers’ demands. They also depend on the creativity of batik manufacturers who want to explore new designs.
“For example, in Sabah and Sarawak, the designs incorporate animal motifs.”
She says the most popular batik clothing is batik sarong, typically worn by women and paired with kebaya or baju kurung tops.
“Batik sarong’s popularity and versatility can be seen in today’s contemporary designs.
“We have seen it turned into pants, shirts and even bedsheets.
“Nowadays, people prefer to wear batik sarong as it is comfortable because it is made of cotton.
“More people are wearing batik sarong at weddings, official functions or for daily use. I’m not surprised if it becomes more popular in the near future.”
Rosidah says one of the museum’s initiatives to promote batik-wearing is to teach people the art of folding batik sarong.
“There are two ways of wearing batik sarong for women. One is ombak mengalun (flowing waves), where the excess part of the fabric is folded towards the left or the right rib area, and usually paired with a baju kurung top.
“Another style is the tindih kasih (pressing), where the excess fabric is folded in layers. This style is typically worn with kebaya and baju kurung Kedah.”
Rosidah says although there are six batik-making techniques in the country, chanting is the most popular.
The other techniques are batik block, batik conteng (hand-drawn batik), printing, tie-dye and tritik (a stitching technique).
Batik chanting, which is known for its intricate hand-drawn designs on silk cloth, is the preferred style among the locals for formal occasions.
However, it is expensive.
Roshidah said mass-producedbatik is affordable.
“We have seen many local batik producers selling batik at low prices due to the competitive market.
“There are more styles from other countries that suit the younger generation.”
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi welcomes the idea of promoting batik-wearing.
Government servants wear batik during formal occasions and on every Thursday.
“People should wear local batik. Hopefully, those working in the private sector will be encouraged to wear batik for work as well.”
Mohamaddin says wearing local batik will reflect the people’s spirit of patriotism.