Sampang Hand-Written Batik, a Cultural Heritage Rich in Meaning and Characteristic of East Java

East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa displays Sampang hand-drawn batik made by the Shalempang Hand-drawn Batik Workshop. (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Batik in East Java boasts a rich diversity of motifs and techniques, reflecting the blend of cultures from various regions in Indonesia. Each region displays its own distinctive characteristics, from brightly colored coastal motifs to interior batik with soft natural hues.

Besides representing a regional identity, batik also captures history, philosophy, and traditions passed down through generations. One prominent example is Sampang hand-drawn batik, a distinctive Madurese art form that uses natural dyes and meticulous traditional techniques.

East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa encouraged the public to develop a greater appreciation for and promote hand-drawn batik as a valuable cultural heritage.

"I can recognize various types of batik. At first glance, there are similarities between Sampang and Pamekasan, but in terms of coloring, Sampang batik tends to be clearer and uses natural colors, very similar to Cirebon batik," she said in Surabaya, as quoted by ANTARA.

According to Khofifah, these similarities demonstrate the confluence of cultures from various regions. She emphasized that batik is not just a clothing material, but a cultural product that combines art and industry.

"Batik makers are both artists and industry players. The batik-making process is long and skillful," she said.

Despite its beauty and high quality, Sampang batik is considered to still need wider promotion compared to other Madurese batiks, such as Tanjung Bumi batik from Bangkalan, Pamekasan batik, or Sumenep batik, which are already better known in the market.

"Sampang is located between two regions: Tanjung Bumi, renowned for its strong motifs, and Pamekasan, with its bold play of color and contemporary designs," she explained.

Khofifah encouraged the public to support batik artisans in East Java. She argued that each region has its own unique characteristics, making batik an enduring appeal. She also emphasized that hand-drawn batik requires special skills that are usually passed down from generation to generation.

"How to apply the canting to prevent smudges, how to coat the fabric, how to color, and how to dye it all has its own techniques," she said.

The owner of the Shalempang Hand-Written Batik Workshop, Ali Imron, appreciated the support of the East Java Provincial Government. He stated that his workshop has obtained a Halal Certificate and is currently processing a Green Industry Certificate.

Since its founding in 2001, the workshop has continued to develop the hand-drawn batik inherited from his wife's family, the seventh generation of traditional batik makers. Ali also actively participates in provincial government trade missions to various provinces to expand the market.