KBRN, Yogyakarta: The Indonesian Batik Lovers Association (PPBI) Sekar Jagad, a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of Indonesian batik, hosted a halal bihalal gathering in conjunction with the commemoration of Kartini Day 2025. The event, held on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, centered around the theme "The Spirit of Kartini Endures Through the Ages" and attracted approximately 100 attendees.

These participants included members of Sekar Jagad, representatives from various institutions and the Regional Leadership Communication Forum (Forkompimda), as well as guests interested in joining the organization.

GBPH Prabukusumo, Chairman of PPBI Sekar Jagad Yogyakarta, shared his views on batik. (Photo: RRI English/Diva Rifdah Rizkia Puspitaningnala)

"When we connect the commemoration of Kartini Day with Batik, it's not just about women's emancipation but rather about the nation itself, Indonesia's standing in the eyes of the world. So, the context is how batik is viewed globally," Laretna Trisnantari Adishakti, Deputy Chairperson of PPBI Sekar Jagad, said on the sidelines of the event.

The gathering took place at the Pendopo Agung Royal Ambarrukmo hall on Jalan Laksda Adisucipto No. 81, Yogyakarta, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. local time. The atmosphere was filled with a sense of camaraderie and cultural appreciation as batik enthusiasts and community figures gathered.

This event fostered a vibrant exchange of ideas and a shared commitment to preserving and promoting Indonesian batik, aligning with Sekar Jagad's core mission. The convergence of batik appreciation and the celebration of a national heroine underscored the enduring relevance of Kartini's spirit in the context of cultural preservation and societal progress.

"The activities we routinely organize are primarily for Batik education, so the general public can understand what authentic batik is, because there are still those who consider printed batik as authentic batik," PPBI Sekar Jagat's Secretary overseeing the association's Activity Implementations and Reports, Indri Dwirinasari.

"Through this event, we hope to foster mutual forgiveness and understanding. By engaging in discussions about batik, we aim to inspire the younger generation to take an active role in preserving this cultural heritage. If batik were to vanish, its legacy would be at risk. Additionally, efforts to empower women in the field of batik will continue to thrive," she added.

The gathering commenced with a recitation of Kartini's letters, establishing a reflective and historically significant tone. Following this, a batik discussion unfolded, centered on the theme of women's empowerment within the batik industry, exploring the roles and contributions of women in this art form.

Karina Rima Melati, a board member of PPBI Sekar Jagad, and Maya Dewi, the Director of Sales and Marketing for Royal Ambarrukmo Yogyakarta, conducted the reading session of Kartini's letters. (Photo: RRI English/Diva Rifdah Rizkia Puspitaningnala)

The batik discussion featured two prominent figures as speakers: Iffah M Dewi, the owner and second generation of Sogan Batik, and Aan Yuni Astuti, the owner and third generation of Batik Canting Mas.

Their insights provided a rich perspective on the legacy and contemporary relevance of women in batik, fostering an engaging dialogue with the attendees during the subsequent question-and-answer session.

Affectionately known as Sita, Laretna Trisnantari Adishakti stressed the crucial need to recognize Indonesia's inherent strength, particularly in light of UNESCO's designation of batik as a global masterpiece that requires steadfast preservation and conservation efforts.

She also highlighted Yogyakarta's esteemed status as a World Batik City, emphasizing the importance of ensuring its ongoing protection.

Sita found inspiration in the parallel between national awakening figures such as Kartini, who began their transformative initiatives at a young age, and the discussion panel featuring speakers who have been actively engaged in the batik tradition since their university years.

"We have an ongoing mission to actively engage young people, not only in the realm of batik but also in other textiles. It is vital for the younger generation to go beyond preserving traditional designs by innovating new ones, all while safeguarding the authenticity of batik," Sita emphasized.

During the event, a batik fashion show provided a visual highlight, displaying creations by female batik artists from Yogyakarta. One woman presented a large piece of batik cloth to the audience. (Photo: RRI English/Diva Rifdah Rizkia Puspitaningnala)

Adding a vibrant visual dimension to the celebration of women in batik, a mesmerizing fashion show unfolded, showcasing the exquisite creations of Yogyakarta's renowned female batik artisans. The flowing textiles, adorned with intricate patterns, beautifully highlighted the exceptional artistry and deep cultural heritage woven into every piece crafted by these remarkable women.

The runway sparkled with the creations of Maria Noor, whose collection featured the sophisticated Batik Kerton Benji, the lively Klithik Kesit Seling Puspa, and the elegant Gendreh Slimpet Modang.

Following her, Raden Ayu Siti Sunarti Hambarjan presented the regal Batik Semen Agung, the enchanting Kawung Babong Nglubuk, and the delicate Slimpet Klithik Nitik, each masterpiece narrating its own story through traditional motifs and meticulous craftsmanship.

Completing the visual spectacle was Zufariyah, whose batik artistry manifested in the charming Keong Renteng Cecek Gebel, the lively Nanasan Klithik Kesit, and the delicate Udan Liris (Daniris). Each piece served as a testament to the enduring legacy and evolving creativity of women in the world of Javanese batik, captivating the audience with their beauty and cultural resonance.

The event then drew to a close with a communal prayer, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose among the participants. Finally, the atmosphere shifted to one of warmth and connection as attendees engaged in a Halal bi Halal session, exchanging greetings and strengthening bonds in the spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation.

As the halal bi halal event concluded, attendees participated in a traditional exchange of handshakes, symbolizing forgiveness and strengthened bonds. (Photo: RRI English/Diva Rifdah Rizkia Puspitaningnala)

"We are highlighting the inseparable connection between batik and women. In this commemoration of Kartini Day, which coincides with Halal bi Halal amidst the current economic challenges, we emphasize that batik itself embodies the essence of Indonesia's first female painter," stated Afif Syakur, Deputy Chairperson and founder of PPBI Sekar Jagad.

"We acknowledge that batik has the ability to support creativity and the economy, which in the future, during or after these economic times, will become a superior product for all of us," he concluded. ***