Unique differences between Malaysian and Indonesian batik

While the two countries share a common ancestry in batik, Malaysian and Indonesian batik have evolved in distinct ways.

WAN AHMAD  ATARMIZI
WAN AHMAD ATARMIZI
18 Jan 2025 09:00am
Batik is a treasured cultural legacy for both Malaysia and Indonesia, representing more than just fabric. Photo: Canva
Batik is a treasured cultural legacy for both Malaysia and Indonesia, representing more than just fabric. Photo: Canva

BATIK is a treasured cultural legacy for both Malaysia and Indonesia, representing far more than just fabric. It embodies centuries of history, artistry, and tradition. While the two countries share a common ancestry in batik, Malaysian and Indonesian batik have evolved in distinct ways, reflecting the unique stories and aesthetics of their respective cultures.

HISTORICAL ORIGINS

The owner of Batik Tektura, Azrina Lasa, said that Indonesian batik has a much older history, dating back over 1,000 years, whereas Malaysia's batik tradition began approximately a century ago. She also highlighted that Indonesian batik is deeply rooted in ancient mythological and spiritual beliefs.

“In Indonesia, batik culture was well-established even before the arrival of Islam in the 16th century, rooted in the Hindu and Buddhist influences that shaped the region from 100 AD onwards. Early motifs often depicted stories from the Mahabharata and Ramayana, as seen in Wayang Kulit and batik designs.

“With the spread of Islam, these mythological elements were reimagined, with outlines becoming subtler and some shapes blending into middle eastern Islamic art forms,” she explained in an interview with Sinar Daily.

On the other hand, Azrina said that batik’s history in Tanah Melayu likely dates back centuries, having been introduced by merchants travelling between Java, particularly Pekalongan and the east coast region.

“However, the local production of batik sarongs in Malaysia began only in the 1910s, pioneered by Haji Che Su in Kelantan, and in the 1930s by Tuan Haji Ali in Terengganu, both of whom learned batik printing techniques from Java.

“Kelantan and Terengganu flourished as centres of traditional crafts in the 20th century, largely due to minimal British colonial interference,” she added.

Malaysian batik is celebrated for its vibrant hues—reds, blues, yellows and greens—featuring floral and abstract motifs.Photo by Canva
Malaysian batik is celebrated for its vibrant hues—reds, blues, yellows and greens—featuring floral and abstract motifs.Photo by Canva



COLOUR PALETTES AND VISUAL STYLES

Malaysian batik is celebrated for its vibrant hues—reds, blues, yellows and greens—featuring floral and abstract motifs, while Indonesian batik is characterised by earthy tones such as deep blues, browns and blacks.

“Historically, Indonesian batik relied on natural dyes sourced from the earth, such as deep blue from indigo leaves and browns and golds from various tree barks. These earthy tones remain a hallmark of Indonesian batik, although synthetic dyes have largely replaced natural ones in modern production.

“Malaysian batik, by contrast, drew early inspiration from the vibrant and floral designs of Pekalongan in Central Java.

“As a relatively younger art form, Malaysian batik enjoys greater freedom to experiment with abstract and contemporary styles, creating a distinct identity that sets it apart from its Indonesian counterpart,” she said.

Indonesian batik relied on natural dyes sourced from the earth. Photo by Canva
Indonesian batik relied on natural dyes sourced from the earth. Photo by Canva



BATIK'S ROLE IN NATIONAL IDENTITY

In Malaysia, batik became a symbol of national pride in 1957, representing the country's unique traditions during the independence movement.

It is now considered the national attire for formal events and symbolises the fusion of modern fashion with heritage. In Indonesia, batik has a longer history, with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) recognising it in 2009 as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

This distinction underscores its importance as a symbol of the nation's collective cultural identity. However, Azrina observed that batik’s influence remains primarily limited to Indonesia and the Nusantara region, including Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore.

“Unlike Japanese kimonos, which have made a significant impact on global fashion trends, batik has yet to achieve the same recognition, highlighting the need for more initiatives to elevate its presence on the world stage,” she added.

MODERN ADAPTATIONS AND INNOVATION

Modern trends have allowed batik traditions to evolve in both countries. In Malaysia, collaborations between artisans and the fashion industry have incorporated batik into modern clothing lines, accessories and homeware designs.

Indonesian batik artisans are also innovating in design and production methods, blending traditional motifs with modern interpretations while staying true to historical techniques.

Both cultures respect tradition but are unafraid to make batik wearable, versatile and functional for today’s world. Both styles are beautiful in their own right, serving as a living testament to Southeast Asia’s diverse and shared traditions.

While Malaysian batik stands out with its bold colours and contemporary styles, Indonesian batik captivates with its intricate patterns and profound symbolism. Recognising the differences between these two art forms enriches our understanding of their cultural significance and enduring legacy.

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