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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Culture & Society

Jakarta's Batik Symphony at IFW 2026: Inspired by Hibiscus and Marunda Residents

From Tempo · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Jakarta's batik heritage was showcased at the BTN Indonesia Fashion Week (IFW) 2026, featuring local designers.
  • The event highlighted Jakarta as a melting pot of cultures, blending modernity with tradition.
  • Collections were inspired by elements like hibiscus flowers and the lives of women in the Marunda low-cost housing complex.

The city of Jakarta came alive through the intricate artistry of batik at the BTN Indonesia Fashion Week (IFW) 2026 on July 30, 2026. Under the theme RAGAMKULTURA JAKARTA, supported by the DKI Jakarta Tourism and Creative Economy Agency, nine local brands demonstrated how Jakarta thrives as a modern metropolis without losing its cultural roots.

Riana Kesuma Astuti's Batik Riana collection drew inspiration from the hibiscus flowers found along Jakarta's streets. She transformed this everyday sight into a batik motif, symbolizing Jakarta's resilience and hospitality. The collection blended these floral elements with Tumpal Pasung Betawi, a traditional architectural motif representing harmonious living, presented in contemporary silhouettes with pink hues for an elegant yet fresh look.

I am a batik enthusiast, so creative ideas come from daily habits. Like seeing hibiscus flowers on the street, turning them into batik motifs, then creating a story about Jakarta.

— Riana Kesuma AstutiExplaining the inspiration behind her Batik Riana collection.

A poignant story emerged from Batik Marunda, initiated by Irma Dharma Sinurat. Her "Sampir Jakarta" collection embodies the warm embrace of an inclusive city. The batik tulis (hand-drawn batik) pieces were created by the women residing in the Marunda low-cost housing complex (Rusunawa Marunda) as part of a community empowerment program. "Sampir means to be warmly draped over the shoulder, symbolizing Jakarta giving space for everyone to grow. We want this to be a legacy," Irma stated, highlighting the urban batik identity that incorporates motifs of flora, fauna, and the capital's iconic landmarks.

IFW 2026 also emphasized the connection between tradition and youth culture. Uty Wulandari of Batik Mamauty consistently presents casual batik styles to make the fabric more relatable to Gen Z. Meanwhile, designer Hardi Lian of Lian Indonesia responded to this diversity with his "Simfoni Jakarta" theme, harmonizing the capital's diverse flora colors into aesthetically pleasing attire. The RAGAMKULTURA JAKARTA stage underscored the fusion of tradition and contemporary fashion.

Sampir means to be warmly draped over the shoulder, symbolizing Jakarta giving space for everyone to grow. We want this to be a legacy.

— Irma Dharma SinuratDescribing the concept behind her Batik Marunda collection.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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