Ministry Strengthens Batik Protection through Intellectual Property

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s Ministry of Culture is strengthening the protection of batik by facilitating its registration as Communal Intellectual Property (KIK) to safeguard the diversity of batik patterns and motifs across the country. The initiative is also part of the government’s efforts to promote batik and expand its recognition and appreciation among the international community.

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon said the diverse patterns, motifs, and geographical indications associated with batik need to be protected through Communal Intellectual Property. Speaking to the media in Jakarta on Thursday, October 1, 2026, Fadli said the Ministry of Culture also facilitates communities seeking support in the registration process.

“We help facilitate the registration through intellectual property rights, and if there are community groups that are also taking such steps or requesting support, we will certainly help,” Fadli said. He explained that the facilitation is one of the ways to protect the diversity of batik developed by communities across Indonesia.

“This is one way to ensure that the great diversity of batik can be protected as communal intellectual property,” Fadli said. He added that intellectual property protection is important to safeguard the diversity of batik while strengthening its position as part of Indonesia’s cultural heritage.

Fadli also emphasized that batik has been recognized as an element of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and therefore needs to be continuously developed and promoted. “Batik has already become part of UNESCO’s heritage, or UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage,” he said.

According to Fadli, the government’s efforts extend beyond protection to include the promotion, development, and optimal utilization of batik. “What we are doing is promoting it, developing it, and, of course, making the most of its potential,” Fadli said.

He said Indonesia’s batik ecosystem has expanded from the arts sector into industry, with batik becoming increasingly popular and widely used by the public. The development shows that batik has grown not only as an artistic expression but also as an industry with expanding economic potential.

The government also continues to support various batik activities and exhibitions organized by communities as well as those initiated by the Ministry of Culture. Indonesian batik is increasingly recognized in neighboring countries, across Africa, and in various European countries.

The Ministry of Culture also operates the Batik Museum at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah in Jakarta, which showcases a wide range of batik patterns from different traditions across Indonesia. The government hopes that stronger protection, promotion, and development of batik will broaden international appreciation while strengthening the domestic batik ecosystem and creating more employment opportunities.