InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA — Indonesian batik continues to evolve, not only as a cultural symbol but also as part of a modern, environmentally friendly lifestyle. At the opening of the Batik Nusantara (GBN) 2025 event at Pasaraya Blok M, Jakarta (30/7), the Ministry of Industry (Kemenperin) reaffirmed its commitment to preserving and developing the national batik industry to be more adaptive to changing times, including introducing palm oil batik innovation.
Palm oil batik is a new innovation in the batik industry, using wax made from sustainable palm oil stearin, replacing fossil-based paraffin. This innovation reflects the spirit of environmental preservation, which is now a major concern, especially for the younger generation who are increasingly aware of sustainability issues.
“I want GBN to be a major movement, a reminder for all of us to love and preserve batik as a national identity. This is not an outdated thing—it's classy, modern, and has the potential to become a long-term industry,” said Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita in an official statement quoted by InfoSAWIT on Sunday (3/8/2025).
In an effort to expand the market reach of batik, especially among Generation Z, Kemenperin, through the Directorate General of Small, Medium, and Various Industries (IKMA), collaborates with the Indonesian Batik Foundation (YBI). They encourage product innovation, production efficiency, and education about batik as part of an authentic and environmentally conscious urban lifestyle.
The Minister emphasized that today’s youth demand uniqueness, social value, and sustainability from the products they use. “Being proud is not enough. We all must buy and use batik products. By shopping, we not only preserve cultural heritage but also support the economy of artisans in various regions,” he stressed.
Currently, the batik industry is spread across 11 provinces with nearly 6,000 business units and around 200 small and medium enterprise centers. However, the challenge of regeneration post-pandemic has significantly reduced the number of artisans. Therefore, innovations like environmentally friendly palm oil batik become a solution to embrace new markets and strengthen the national batik ecosystem.
GBN 2025 also features various educational programs such as webinars “Batik for Gen Z: Tradition Responding to Trends” and “Loving Nusantara Textiles: Implementing Environmental Sustainability in the Batik Industry.” One of the highlighted talk shows titled “Understanding Environmentally Friendly Palm Oil Batik” draws attention to the great potential of sustainable palm oil as part of the transformation of the batik industry.
This year, Merawit Batik from Cirebon has been designated as the icon of National Batik Day 2025. The GBN exhibition runs from July 30 to August 3, 2025, featuring various SME booths, fashion shows, interactive discussions, and creative workshops.
“We want to show that batik can grow with the times. Innovations like palm oil batik are a bridge between cultural preservation and environmental responsibility. This is the new face of Nusantara textiles ready to welcome Indonesia Gold 2045,” concluded the Minister.
With the synergy between the government, industry players, and the younger generation, Indonesian batik is now entering a new chapter: modern, green, and proud. (T2)
