Indonesian Batik Translation: A Case Study

This case study centers on Javanese–Indonesian batik, an art form recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a masterpiece of human heritage in 2009, and the cultural diversity delineated in its diverse patterns, symbolizing Indonesia’s historically complex religious views, cultures, and ethnic identities. While batik has a global reputation, it is also under attack. Today, simplified formats are designed and applied commercially, and batik patterns are used without reference either to meaning, or mode of production, jeopardizing batik’s cultural identity. Therefore, this project investigates alternative materials and more minimalist forms of batik, to consider batik’s future role and the forms it might take. By combining original forms with new formats and media, this project, first, serves as a way to re-contextualize local culture within new frameworks. And second, it seeks to develop a hybrid praxis that prompts dialogue to support cultural continuance of the batik tradition.