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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Culture & Society

Jakarta's Birthday: Preserving Betawi Spirit Through Batik Terogong

From Tempo · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • Batik Terogong, a Betawi batik from South Jakarta, preserves the cultural heritage of the indigenous Betawi people.
  • Artisan Aryani Tina Sitio uses batik as a medium to store stories, life philosophies, and the identity of the Betawi community.
  • The batik incorporates motifs inspired by everyday life, such as the mengkudu (noni) fruit, and is adapted into modern products like scarves and accessories for wider appeal.

As Jakarta celebrates its 499th birthday, a unique art form is keeping the spirit of the Betawi people alive. Batik Terogong, originating from the Terogong area in South Jakarta, serves as a vibrant canvas for the stories, philosophies, and evolving identity of the Betawi community.

Aryani Tina Sitio, a Betawi batik artisan with Artisi Batik Indonesia, views batik not merely as fashion or a souvenir, but as a crucial medium for preserving Jakarta's cultural memory. "If people come to Jakarta, I want them to be able to bring back something that truly comes from Jakarta," she stated.

If people come to Jakarta, I want them to be able to bring back something that truly comes from Jakarta.

— Aryani Tina SitioArtisan Aryani Tina Sitio explains her motivation for creating Batik Terogong.

Sitio faces the challenge of making traditional Betawi batik relevant to contemporary tastes. She designs Batik Terogong in various forms beyond traditional cloth, including lightweight accessories like scarves and multifunctional cloths. These modern adaptations cater to consumers who prefer practical, easily portable items, making the batik accessible for daily wear and international travel.

Many people like the lightweight models because they can be worn around the neck or taken abroad. Foreigners also like them because they are practical.

— Aryani Tina SitioSitio discusses the modern adaptations of Batik Terogong.

"Many people like the lightweight models because they can be worn around the neck or taken abroad. Foreigners also like them because they are practical," she explained. Sitio noted that some of her initial sales occurred overseas, with customers taking the batik to countries like India, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. These pieces act as subtle yet effective tools for cultural diplomacy, sparking conversations about Indonesian culture.

Two motifs hold particular significance for Batik Terogong's origins: mengkudu (noni) and ceremai. The mengkudu motif, inspired by the fruit and leaves of the mengkudu tree that grew in Sitio's childhood home, is often used in designs intended for men. She likens the mengkudu's resilience and patience to the qualities needed in men, stating, "Men must be diligent and patient. If they are not diligent and patient, they will not..." The motif reflects the deep connection between nature, family traditions, and personal philosophy embedded in the batik's creation.

Men must be diligent and patient. If they are not diligent and patient, they will not...

— Aryani Tina SitioSitio explains the symbolism behind the mengkudu motif, relating it to qualities expected in men.
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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