Pamekasan’s Batik Pride

Batik has boosted local identity in Pamekasan in Madura Island, East Java. Other than being a source of income for locals, batik clothes are commonly worn in various occasions and has become a local source of pride.

KOMPAS/IQBAL BASYARI

Residents visit a Community Health Center (Puskesmas) in Larangan, Pamekasan, East Java, Saturday (12/10/2019). The Pamekasan regency administration paints public facilities, such as bridges, gates, sidewalks, government offices and official cars as an effort to promote Pamekasan batik to the public.

On Jl. Trunojoyo heading to the town square in Pamekasan, batik murals greet motorists on both sides of the street. The colorful batik motif murals, including sekar jagat, per keper (butterfly), tong centong (rice ladle), melate seto’or (jasmine bouquet) and ngai (river), adorn the streets in the town.

The batik murals can be seen at various public facilities, including bridges, sidewalks, government offices and official cars. Many locals also wear batik every day.