Batik Archives - PREMIUM HAND-PAINTED BATIK

Parang Lereng Batik, a Forbidden Motif Only Used by the Royal Family

Some time ago, the machete batik motif became a hot topic of discussion after it became one of the dress codes for Kaesang wedding guests, the son of President Joko Widodo. In the wedding procession, invited guests are advised not to come using the machete slope batik motif. This prohibition was stated by Kanjeng Gusti Pangeran Adipati Arya Mangkunegara X.

This prohibition is not without reason, Parang Slope Batik is one of the forbidden motifs used by the general public and may only be used by the royal family.

Oldest Batik Motifs

Motig Batik Parang is one of the oldest batik motifs in Indonesia which has existed since the leadership of the Mataram Palace. It is not surprising that Parang Batik motifs can be found in many areas around Solo and Yogyakarta. This old batik motif looks like it repeats following a diagonal line. Judging from the language, Parang Batik comes from the word ‘pereng’ which means slope in Javanese.

The description of this perengan can be seen from the motif, which is a descending line from high to low. Then, the recurring motif of parang batik with the letter S as a basis is inspired by ocean waves which mean never give up. There are two versions of the meaning of the Parang motif. According to Rouffaer and Joynboll, this motif originates from the sword-shaped patterns that knights and lords wore in battle.

In another version it is stated that the Parang motif was created by Panembahan Senopati while observing the movement of the South Sea waves hitting the rocks on the beach. Thus, the pattern of curved lines is interpreted as ocean waves which are the center of natural energy, in this case what is meant is the position of the king. Meanwhile, the slanted composition of this parang batik motif is also a symbol of power, greatness, authority, and speed of movement.

History of Parang Batik Motifs

This motif is said to have been created by Sultan Agung Hanyokrokusumo who was inspired by the waves on the South Coast of Java while he was meditating. During the Mataram dynasty until the beginning of Indonesia’s independence, the machete motif batik could only be used by kings and their descendants.

Meanwhile, the damaged parang batik motif means that it is still strong, patient and able to control the power of lust even in a state of exhaustion. The damaged parang batik motif is said to have been created when Penembahan Senopati was meditating on the South Beach.

Batik, Archipelago Ornamental Fabric, which is a World Cultural Heritage

Batik and Indonesian Decorative Fabrics, the word batik comes from a combination of two words in Javanese, namely amba and dot. “Amba” means cloth and “dots” is a way of giving motifs to cloth by applying motifs to cloth using liquid wax by means of dots.

Batik is a culture that has long developed and is known by the people of Indonesia. Identical batik is associated with a process technique from the depiction of motifs to pelorodan. The history of batik in Indonesia is related to the development of the Majapahit kingdom and then the Solo and Yogyakarta kingdoms.

Batik art in Indonesia is increasingly widespread and has become the property of the people, especially the Javanese in the late 18th or early 19th century. The tradition of batik was originally a hereditary tradition. Batik has become part of the daily life of the Indonesian people.

Batik was also first introduced to the world by President Soeharto, who at that time wore batik at the UN Conference. In 2009 Indonesian Batik was officially recognized by UNESCO by being included in the representative list as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity (Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity).

Indonesia also sets October 2 as National Batik Day which is routinely celebrated every year. The Indonesian nation must be able to interpret and preserve this world cultural icon. Batik is the heritage of Indonesia’s ancestors which still exists today.

Batik has a variety of motifs and each motif has a different philosophy and meaning in each region. Along with the times, various types of batik and motifs have appeared and can be enjoyed today.

Now batik has developed in several places outside Java, even to foreign countries. In Indonesia, batik has also been developed in Aceh with Acehnese batik, Cual batik in Riau, Papuan batik, Sasirangan batik in East Kalimantan, and Minahasa batik.

Batik is considered an important cultural icon in Indonesia. Until now Indonesian people wear batik as casual and formal clothing that can be used in various events. In some areas, using it becomes an obligation so that it continues to be preserved and maintained properly.