Cirebon Regency Government Receives Geographical Indication Certificate For Merahwit Batik

The Cirebon Regency Government together with batik craftsmen and entrepreneurs gathered after receiving an IG certificate for merewit batik in Cirebon, West Java. (ANTARA/Fathnur Rohman)

JAKARTA - The Regency Government (Pemkab) of Cirebon, West Java, has officially received a Geographical Indication Certificate (IG) for Merawit Batik, a typical batik technique that characterizes the regional culture.

"This IG determination has actually been in effect since November 4, 2024, making it the sixth IG of batik in Indonesia and the first for Cirebon Regency," said Cirebon Regent (Pj) Wahyu Mijaya in Cirebon, as quoted by Antara.

Wahyu explained that the IG certificate issued by the Directorate General of Intellectual Property of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights is an important step to support the development of Merahwit Batik in the future.

According to him, the IG certificate serves as a marker of the geographical origin of a product, in this case the Merahwit Batik, also reflects the uniqueness and distinctive quality of the batik from Cirebon.

Furthermore, Wahyu emphasized that this IG sign is a form of Intellectual Property Right (Haki) which aims to protect the originality of Merahwit Batik.

"We are very grateful for this achievement. The IG certificate will be used to support regional economic growth while maintaining the sustainability of the Merawit Batik culture," he added.

Chairman of the Indonesian Batik Crafts and Entrepreneurs Association (APPBI), Komarudin Kudiya, explained that the merewit technique has its own uniqueness. This method produces very fine lines with a bright cloth background, providing a distinctive appearance on Merawit Batik.

"This technique requires high quality canting and nights. If the night temperature is too hot, the thin line that is characteristic of Merawit Batik can be damaged," explained Komarudin.

Merawit Batik, he continued, is currently only produced in eight villages in Cirebon Regency, namely Trusmi Kulon, Trusmi Wetan, Kaliwu, Wotgali, Gamel, Sarabau, Panembahan, and Kalitengah.

The number of technical craftsmen is estimated to reach around 1,000 people out of a total of 3,500 batik craftsmen spread across Cirebon.

Komarudin hopes that with the IG certificate, Merawit Batik can increase the selling value of its products. Each work will be equipped with a barcode containing complete information about the motives, manufacturing techniques, and the identity of the creator.

"This certification is expected to provide additional incentives for craftsmen and at the same time motivate the regeneration of batik craftsmen in this area," he said.

One of the most popular batik motifs using the merewit technique is the Bridal Swaw, which continues to be in demand because of its beauty and complexity.