Batik Industry Faces Succession Challenge, Competition from Printed Fabrics

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia's batik industry is facing two key challenges: the lack of generational succession among artisans and competition from batik-patterned fabrics produced using printing techniques. The challenges have prompted the government to strengthen efforts to preserve batik-making skills and improve the industry's competitiveness.

Deputy Minister of Industry Faisol Riza said the succession issue requires attention, as the number of batik artisans has declined in recent years.

According to data from the Indonesian Batik Artisans and Entrepreneurs Association (APPBI), the number of batik artisans fell by around 20 percent between 2019 and 2023, declining from approximately 131,000 to 105,000.

"If we do not address this succession issue immediately, the skills and ancestral heritage of batik-making could be at risk in the future," Faisol said in a statement confirmed in Jakarta on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026.

Faisol said National Batik Day, observed annually on Oct. 2, serves as a momentum to strengthen generational renewal among batik artisans while preserving Indonesia's cultural heritage and supporting the industry's sustainability.

He said National Batik Day also provides an opportunity to raise collective awareness and foster appreciation for batik.

According to Faisol, batik plays an important role as both a symbol of Indonesian identity and cultural wealth, while also generating economic value. The craftsmanship required to produce batik contributes to employment and supports family livelihoods in various regions.

At the same time, growing interest among younger generations in wearing batik for various occasions has created opportunities to expand the domestic market.

However, those opportunities are overshadowed by the challenge of artisan regeneration. Faisol said efforts are needed to encourage younger generations not only to wear batik but also to learn the craft.

"Through this National Batik Day, we hope to encourage future generations to develop an interest in buying batik and inspire them to become batik artisans," he said.

In addition to succession issues, the batik industry faces competition from batik-patterned fabrics produced through printing techniques.

Advances in technology have improved the quality of such products while making them more affordable, making it increasingly difficult for consumers to distinguish them from batik produced through traditional methods.

Faisol therefore stressed the importance of educating the public about the differences between batik products in terms of production processes, craftsmanship and the philosophical values embedded in them.

"It is time to ensure that batik is recognized not merely for its motifs, but also appreciated for the process, craftsmanship and noble cultural values behind it," he said.

To strengthen the industry, the Ministry of Industry is encouraging product diversification. Small and medium industries (IKM) engaged in batik production can develop finished products ranging from ready-to-wear fashion and accessories to handicrafts that suit modern lifestyles.

Faisol said collaboration among batik producers, designers, and academics is essential to improving business operators' capabilities and enabling them to create more diverse products without losing batik's identity.

In addition to diversification, standardization remains an important aspect of batik industry development. One instrument that can be used is the Batikmark certification, which covers aspects such as physical quality and color durability, helping consumers identify products that meet quality standards.

As part of the 2026 National Batik Day exhibition, the ministry is organizing a series of events from Sept. 30 to Oct. 4 at the Atrium of Tunjungan Plaza 3 in Surabaya, including public lectures, talk shows, workshops, and the presentation of Batikmark certificates to small and medium industries. The exhibition will feature more than 40 participants.

Faisol emphasized that developing the batik industry requires collaboration among the central government and regional administrations, associations, industry players, academics, communities, the banking sector, and the media to build a resilient, self-reliant, and competitive ecosystem.

"Success in building a resilient, self-reliant and highly competitive batik industry ecosystem can only be achieved through close collaboration among stakeholders," he said. ***