The Ministry of Industry is striving to preserve authentic batik as a step to maintain the sustainability of small and medium industries and batik artisans amidst the proliferation of batik-patterned textile products circulating in the market.
Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita revealed that the development of the batik industry continues to show a positive trend, along with the increasing interest of the public, especially the younger generation, in fashion based on Indonesian textiles.
"Currently, the batik industry continues to show positive trends, both in the domestic and international markets. Exports are increasing, and the younger generation is increasingly proud to wear batik, which reflects the nation's cultural identity," he said.
However, Minister of Industry Agus assessed that this development was also accompanied by challenges in the form of increasing circulation of printed batik-patterned fabrics that were mass-produced at lower prices.
"These products are generally marketed at much lower prices and can be mass-produced in a short time, potentially displacing authentic batik, both in terms of the market and in terms of public appreciation of its cultural values," he said.
According to him, this condition needs to be balanced by increasing public understanding regarding the differences between authentic batik and batik-patterned cloth.
He also said that this is important so that consumers can choose authentic batik products while also showing appreciation for the creative process and skills of the artisans.
"Authentic batik generally has a distinctive waxy scent, lines that aren't always precise because they're hand-made, and a price that reflects the time and skill involved," he added.
