Cirebon-Indramayu Javanese batik, or simply Cirebon batik (; ) and Indramayu batik (; ) is a traditional cultural

Cirebon Cirebon (, formerly rendered Cheribon or Chirebon in English) is a port city on the northern coast of the Indonesian island of Java. It is the only coastal city of West Java, located about 40 km west of the provincial border with Central J ...

and Indramayu Javanese-style of

batik Batik is a dyeing technique using wax Resist dyeing, resist. The term is also used to describe patterned textiles created with that technique. Batik is made by drawing or stamping wax on a cloth to prevent colour absorption during the dyein ...

, a

Java Java is one of the Greater Sunda Islands in Indonesia. It is bordered by the Indian Ocean to the south and the Java Sea (a part of Pacific Ocean) to the north. With a population of 156.9 million people (including Madura) in mid 2024, proje ...

n art and method of producing colored designs on textile. Native to the northwestern coastal region of the Indonesian island of Java, specifically within the Western Java cities of

and Indramayu. Cirebon-Indramayu Javanese batik is one of the indigenous Java-origin batiks, a Javanese cultural textile-making tradition. It is well-known for its vibrant colors and distinctive motifs that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Javanese people in Cirebon and Indramayu. On 2 October 2009, Batik (including Cirebon Javanese batik) is internationally recognized by the United Nations through United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (

UNESCO The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO ) is a List of specialized agencies of the United Nations, specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) with the aim of promoting world peace and International secur ...

) as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity from

Indonesia Indonesia, officially the Republic of Indonesia, is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania, between the Indian Ocean, Indian and Pacific Ocean, Pacific oceans. Comprising over List of islands of Indonesia, 17,000 islands, including Sumatra, ...

. Since then, Batik Day annually celebrated nationally and internationally (predominantly by Indonesian diaspora) on 2 October to commemorate those global recognition. Since 2021, as part of Indonesia's cultural heritage preservation efforts, the

Government of Indonesia The term Government of the Republic of Indonesia (, GOI, sometimes also referred to as Government of Indonesia or the Central Government () especially in laws) can have a number of different meanings. At its widest, it can refer collectively ...

, through the

Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology The Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (, abbreviated Kemendikbudristek) was a government ministry of the Indonesian government responsible for education, cultural, research, and technology affairs. Its formation resulted ...

, has initiated the digitization and official inscription of Cirebon and Indramayu batik as an element of the nation's intangible cultural heritage. The designation identifies

and Indramayu as the associated

geographical indication A geographical indication (GI) is a name or sign used on products which corresponds to a specific geographical location or origin (e.g., a town or region). The use of a geographical indication, as an indication of the product's source, is inten ...

, it is protected under national laws.

Characteristics

Color

* Bright and Vivid Colors: Common colors include red, blue, yellow, green, purple, and white. * Coastal Influence: As a coastal batik, it often uses more vibrant and varied color schemes compared to inland Javanese batik traditions like Yogyakarta and Surakarta. * Symbolic Use of Colors: Each color may carry symbolic meanings, e.g., red for bravery, blue for tranquility.

Motifs and Patterns

Stamp of Indonesia - 2011 - Colnect 691620 - Batik Mega Mendung Jawa Barat

* (): The most iconic Cirebon-Indramayu batik pattern, featuring cloud-like shapes representing fertility, generosity, and spiritual elevation. * (): Geometric and natural motifs originating from the royal court (), such as singa barong (mythical lion), naga siluman (dragon), and paksi naga liman (hybrid mythical creatures). * Floral and Faunal Elements: Incorporates native Javan birds, butterflies, and foliage, often stylized with flowing, dynamic lines. * Mythological and Narrative Themes: Some designs are inspired by local Cirebon-Indramayu Javanese myths and religious native Javanese stories in general.

References

Notes

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External links