In the center of Indonesia’s vibrant art scene, a singular masterpiece has emerged from an unexpected source – the world of apartment rentals. Thanks to the skillful hands of local women, a gorgeous flash of artistic brilliance referred to as Batik Marunda appeared on the scene.
Established in 2013, the Batik Marunda brand has breathed recent life into the art of batik in Indonesia. This progressive style was born when a major variety of Jakarta’s residents were relocated from the slums to the Marunda apartment complex (Rusunawa Marunda). This change initially caused controversy among the many community, but regularly the advantages offered by the Jakarta provincial government encouraged them to reap the benefits of apartment living. The creativity of the residents, and above all of the moms, blossomed inside the partitions of those apartments, starting a brand new era for Betawi batik.
The driving force behind Batik Marunda was none apart from First Lady Iriana of Indonesia, who during her tenure because the wife of Jakarta Governor Joko Widodo (now President of Indonesia) also served because the chairperson of the National Handicrafts Council of the Jakarta Special Capital Region (Dekranasda DKI Jakarta). Working with displaced residents who now live in Rusunawa Marunda, her vision was to remodel batik production into an economic force for the ladies of the apartment complex. This movement was further supported by the subsequent chairwoman of Dekranasda DKI Jakarta, Veronica Tan, spouse of Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, then governor of Jakarta (now commissioner of President Pertamina). Tan’s goal was to make batik-making an icon of Jakarta and create a sustainable program to empower local women living in Rusunawa Marunda.
The journey was not without its challenges. Irma Gamal Sinurat, a key figure in the event of Batik Marunda, explained that the initial stages of batik creation were fraught with difficulties, especially in creating complex patterns. However, with time and dedication, these artisans overcame obstacles to create a various range of batik designs. Unlike traditional Javanese batik, which follows specific rules of design and color, Marunda Batik takes a singular approach. The designs, developed by Wendy Sibarani, were left to the artists’ interpretation, and the coloring process was entrusted to the batik creators themselves.
Batik Marunda proudly showcases iconic features of Jakarta, equivalent to the National Monument and the colourful ondel-ondel figures. In addition, it introduces motifs inspired by the icons of the town’s wildlife, including: orchids, jasmine, butterfly pea flowers, sharks and a graceful fantail. Today, Marunda Batik stays a hand-made art form, requiring the complex use of tools equivalent to creasing to hand-dyeing. There aren’t any immediate plans to change to stamped or printed batik.
Marunda Batik is a logo of hope, highlighting its ability to catalyze sustainable economic progress. This potential is clearly visible in the event of micro, small and medium enterprises, which are usually not limited to Rusunawa Marunda, but are seamlessly expanding their influence to incorporate resilient women in various rental communities. As one in every of Jakarta’s icons, Batik Marunda has been proudly worn by Abang None Jakarta, ambassadors of tourism and artistic economy, at various official events, in addition to by the general public at fashion and non-fashion occasions. From humble rental apartments to a radiant tapestry of culture, art and empowerment, this incredible journey is a testament to the enduring spirit of creativity within the hearts of the people of Indonesia.
Bibliography:
- Rina, Adhianti. “Marunda Batik that changed the Rusunawa paradigm.” Adhiantirinwww.adhiantirina.com/2020/08/batik-marunda-yang-mengubah-paradigma.html.
- Anjani, Rahmi. “Batik from Jakarta, this is the difference between Marunda Batik and other traditional fabrics.” WolipopSeptember 27, 2019, wolipop.detik.com/fashion-news/d-4724855/batik-asal-jakarta-ini-bedanya-batik-marunda-dari-kain-tradisional-lain.
- Nusantara Patrol News. “Veronica Tan: Marunda Batik, beautiful work from North Jakarta.” Nusantara Patrol NewsMarch 16, 2023, patrolinusantara.press/veronica-tan-batik-marunda-karya-apik-dari-utara-jakarta.
- Wandari, Suryani. “Marunda Batik Innovation.” Indonesian mediaOctober 31, 2019, mediaindonesia.com/weekend/268717/inovasi-batik-marunda.
- Janlik’s daughter. “Marunda Batik.” Wiki about Wartakota25/12/2019, wartakotawiki.tribunnews.com/2019/12/25/batik-marunda.
