THE DYNAMICS OF SURAKARTA BATIK: The Development of Batik Through Conservation by Revitalization and Reinterpretation in the Development Dynamics of Surakarta Batik

Abstract

The study of “classic batik dynamics is focused on the dynamics of batik development.While the consumers have turned their attention to the motive of batik textile, the bourgeoisie of Indonesia has worn fine batik cloth or batik tulis (hand drawn batik) for formal occasion or party. The dynamics has ushered batik tulis (hand-drawn by canting, a copper vessel with spouted nib) to its exclusive throne. Classical batik thus became source of veneration, where subsequent batik production took its philosophy and inspiration. The objective of this study is to obtain the picture of Surakarta classical batik dynamics: (1) Classical view of Surakarta batik dynamics and (2) conservational view of Surakarta batik dynamics. Such an objective requires research measures or research method on batik dynamics, particularly in Surakarta region. This research is a qualitative research using cultural approach and refers to Javanese cultural teachings in line with cultural philosophy; it thus emphasizes data interpretation of specific cases. Analytical description of this study, therefore, emphasizes more on interactive model of qualitative data analysis using Javanese cultural approach. The result of interactive analysis is then examined with hermeneutical interpretive analysis, which is directed to interpret meaningful expression that people deliberately offered (interpretation on interpretation). This study has revealed (1) classical view of Javanese people when they see and understand things and behave accordingly with constant reference to the cultural source. “Javanese cultural process conforms to social dynamics,which refers to supreme cultural concept “sangkanparaningdumadi” (the origin and destination of mankind). The concept is also known, in Javanese culture, with the phrases nunggak semi(sprouting stump) or mutrani(to make offspring). (2) The conservational view has inspired subsequent batik production to refer to preservation model, i.e. conservation. The conservational development of batik in the form of revitalization and reinterpretation has resulted in the dynamics of Surakarta batik development.

Keywords: classic batik, the conservational development of batik, mutrani (to make offspring)

DOI: 10.7176/ADS/74-04

Publication date:July 31^st 2019