期中考试-中国概况

INVESTIGATION REPORT

Indonesian Millennials and Z Generations Opinion Survey

on Indonesian Batik Traditional Art

姓名: 蒂莫西 Timothy Joseph Hutagaol

学号: 6320000682

专业: 化学工程与工艺

化工学院 • School of Chemical Engineering

天津大学 • Tianjin University

May 2021
Indonesian Batik Traditional Art

Table of Contents:

I. Executive Summary
a. Introduction
b. Background
c. Methodology of Survey
II. Summary of Key Findings
a. Brief Profile of Survey Respondents
b. Key Findings of Millennials and Z Generation Opinions about
Indonesian Traditional Batik Art
i. Reasons of interest in Batik Art
ii. Indonesian Millennials and Z Generations Understanding of
Batik Art
iii. Role of Millennials and Z Generations in preserving Batik Art
III. My Comments and Conclusion
a. Projected Future of Batik Traditional Art
b. Preservation of Batik Culture for Future Generations
c. Conclusion

Appendix 1: Indonesian Millennials and Z Generation Opinion Survey on

Indonesian Batik Traditional Art
Indonesian Batik Traditional Art

I. Executive Summary

Introduction

My country of origin, the Republic of Indonesia (印度尼西亚) has hundreds of ethnicities that

make up the diversity of tribes, traditional arts, and cultures. Despite the considerable diversity,
all that diversity become unified and make Indonesia what it is today. One of the Indonesian
original traditional arts that this report present is the Indonesian Batik Traditional Art. Batik is
my main topic because I am fascinated by the traditional culture of Indonesia which is still
preserved and can even be adjusted with the modern times today. I have conducted a survey to
attract Millennials and Z Generation to provide their opinion about Batik Traditional Art.

Background

Batik is an Indonesian pictorial-patterned cloth that is specially made by

writing or inscribing “malam” (wax / 蜡染) on the cloth. Its origin dated

to the 13th century in the reign of the Majapahit Empire then was one of

the most successful Javanese Hindu thalassocracy （制海權）empire

in Southeast Asia, originated from the Old Javanese, Indonesia. The

process of the original traditional Batik cloth has its peculiarities,

Batik produced at Middle techniques, and developments of the motifs and the cultures that are
Java, before 1997

related. As the art of Batik continuously maintained, Batik art is identified

with typical Indonesian apparel, even the UNESCO (教科文组织) has

designated Batik as Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of

Humanity since October 2, 2009. Etymologically, Batik is a Javanese
language, origin from word bathik (tha)- Javanese letter, alternatively,

I may provide literal Chinese translation, 蜡防印花 (wax printing). The

definition indicates that Batik has a production technique of casting

One of Batik-pattern “malam” or precisely etching wax that is placed on a container called
survived from Majapahit
Empire reign
 Indonesian Batik Traditional Art

canting (small copper-made dipper, 小铜斗, now the dipper material is made of Teflon to be

heat-resistant, 特氟龙) and made with seal/stamp (印). Originally, there were 2 types of Batik

processing, which are handmade batik (手指) and the one that made with a seal. However, both

types of process are incredibly complex and require extensive preparation because it requires
zero margins of error from the start to the finished product of Batik that is ready for sale.

Handmade Batik pattern initially Handmade Batik drawing Batik made with
prepared by drawing with a pencil with wax and canting seal/stamp technique

The image on the left is the pattern-planning drawn with a pencil in preparation for Batik that is
handmade, the middle image is Batik being drawn by hand using “canting”. Handmade Batik requires
intense patience and pattern drawing has to be consistent, added with the creativity of the workers
itself. The right image is Batik made with seal and still relatively difficult, since the heating of wax
and laying the pattern must be done carefully, and pay attention to the continuation of the pattern.
Recognizing the complex and labour-intensive process of these 2 primary processing of Batik,
combined with the development of advanced technology, and the invention of other simple processes,
there was a noticeable decline in this traditional process of production. Despite the decline, Batik art
wasn’t threatened to be extinct as a more modern process of Batik production was applied such as

screen printing (绢网印花), digital printing (数码冲印), and painting.

Indonesian Batik Traditional Art

Painting Digital Printing Screen Printing

From these three modern methods, the complexity of the pattern is much simpler in the printing
method, compared to the complex pattern of handmade and seal-made. All of the modern method
of processing shaped nearly 90% of Batik production across Indonesia, with the positive impact
of preserving Batik art, so that the present and future generation still be able to know and enjoy
Indonesian Batik Art.

Methodology of Survey

The survey I conducted was among my friends and throughout my connections of the Millennials
and Z Generations. The purpose of this survey which only aimed at 2 generations, is to limit the
scope of opinion to the younger generation born from 1980-1996 (Millennials Generation) and
1997-2010 (Z Generation). I used the online platform Google Forms to received all the answers
to the question devised for the survey. The opinion survey titled, “Indonesian Millennials and
Z Generation Opinion Survey on Indonesian Batik Traditional Art” was first published on
May 17th, 2021, which I promoted through social media, and require their answers to be filled
through the Google Forms link provided.
Indonesian Batik Traditional Art

The link to the survey is https://forms.gle/JaHKKX5TSN4LscY38. The survey was lasted for 1
week, until May 25th, 2021 and consisted of 13 questions, multiple choices, short answers, and
long answers. The questions that I provide to the survey respondents are open-ended and
accompanied with Indonesian language translation, and the respondents fill the survey with their
opinions and suggestions about Indonesian Batik Traditional Art. Here is the list of 13 questions:

1. Do you like wearing batik? *

2. What is the reason of you wearing batik? * Choice of answers: Unique patterns,
Flexibility, Aesthetics, Elegant, National Identity, Fashionable, Other Answers:
3. What do you know about batik art? *
4. When do you usually wear batik? *
5. What type of Batik do you often use? * Choice of answers: Handmade Batik, Seal-
stamped Batik, Screen-printed Batik, Digital-printed Batik, Painted Batik
6. Do you have other objects that has a batik motif? (For example, a batik-patterned
wallet, sarong, apparel, footwear, etc)*
7. According to your opinion, what is the philosophy or purpose behind batik art?*
8. Modern and traditional batik making has spread across all provinces in Indonesia.
Which type of batik are you most interested in, and type in your reasons.
9. What are your considerations when wearing batik clothes?* Choice of answers:
Fashionable, Flexibility, Elegant, Nationalism, Aesthetics, Other Answers
10. Who influenced you to dress in batik?* Choice of answers: Media (Television,
Social Media, etc), Siblings and Relatives, Yourself, Formality of Event Dresscode,
Other Answers
11. With the development of various types of modern clothing culture today, what do
you think about the trends in the use of Batik in the future?*
12. In your opinion, do millennials and generation Z prefer modern clothes or wear
batik? Include the reason as well. *
13. In your opinion, what is the role of the current generation in preserving batik art
culture in the future? *
Indonesian Batik Traditional Art

II. Summary of Key Findings

a) Brief Profile of Survey Respondents

From the period of 1 week period for filling out the survey, there are 155 respondents, all
of whom gave various answers. The survey consisted of 59 male and 96 female
respondents,

What I found out about their fascination with Batik shows that
around 95,5% or 148 respondents expressed their interest, while the
rest are either neutral or not very interested. The respondents’
occupation percentages are represented in the pie chart below.

The respondents’ occupation comprises mostly college students or

undergraduates, and private employees, which in total there are 24
types of occupations of respondents filled in the online survey.

Business and Secretary and Engineer

Financial Administration 1%
3% 3%
Housewife
Other
3%
5%
Student
Education and
29%
Training
5%
Entrepreneur
8%
Government and
Regional
Employees
9%
Private Employee Religious
27% Occupations
3%

Healthcare
4%

Respondents Occupation Percentage

Indonesian Batik Traditional Art

b) Key Findings of Millennials and Z Generations Opinions about

Indonesian Traditional Batik Art
i. Reasons of interest in Batik Art

According to the pie chart below, A third of Millennials and Z Generations have an interest
in Batik mostly of the reason of the identification of Batik as a National Identity, followed by
the Elegance, and Unique Patterns. Another choice of reasons such as Flexibility, Aesthetics,

Fashionable Other
Aesthetics 2% 3%
10%
Flexibility National
11% Identity
34%

Unique
Patterns
17% Elegance
23%

Reasons of wearing Batik apparel

and fashionable gaining lesser respondents. Other reasons for wearing Batik are formal
importance, comfort, and attractiveness. In conclusion, the awareness of Batik as a National
Identity has been rooted in young generations and become one of the primary reasons that
Batik remains extremely popular.

The reason for the interest in Batik art is also in line with the knowledge of the younger
generation, that state Batik is an art that depicts Indonesian identity, reflects Indonesia’s
original culture, and has been famous throughout the world. As for the usage of Batik in the
daily life of Indonesian young generations, Batik usually used for formal dress code of events,
general apparel for attending celebrations or party, and even some workplace and most of the
schools has a special day that mandate the employees and students to wear Batik clothes.
Some young people even use it to hang out with peers and friends. The reason for wearing
Indonesian Batik Traditional Art

Batik clothes shows how widespread and flexible the use of Batik is, so that is in extremely
high demand by the younger generation.

From this pie chart, as mentioned in the Background section, Digital-printed Batik dominated
the Batik clothing owned by the younger generation. However, the traditional

Screen
Printing
11%
Other
7%
Digital
Printing
Seal /
32%
stamped
14%

Painting
Handmade
15%
21%

Types of Batik often wear

The handmade Batik method comes second that shows a clear effort in preserving one of the
two traditional methods of production of Batik. Another type of Batik usually worn are
screen printing, seal/stamp, and painting Batik. The other category is where respondents have
mixed types and own several types of Batik. This result shows how attentive the young
generations of having Batik clothes to wear.

It’s not only clothes, however, but that young people also have other objects that have a Batik
motif, such as handphone case, sarong, pencil case, wallet, trousers, bag, dresses, blankets,
folders, and other everyday items. The presence of goods other than clothing with a Batik
motif indicates that Batik has become a common thing and is no longer just for certain
occasion or objects.

Everyday items with Batik patterns

Indonesian Batik Traditional Art

ii. Indonesian Millennials and Z Generations Understanding of Batik Art

Now, it is obvious that Batik has been on the everyday sights of young people’s life. What
about the understanding of young generations about the philosophy or purpose behind Batik
Art. Lots of respondents gave various answers about the meaning of Batik art. From the
opinion of the younger generation, the most commonly mentioned is that Batik is a
characteristic of the Indonesian nation, and each pattern or motifs in Batik clothing has its
meaning. Thus, the art of Batik can also be called beauty in complexity.

Apart from being a fashion model of clothing, the younger generation describes Batik as one
of Indonesia’s precious wealth. Batik is also presented in traditional community ceremonies
and other events following historical cultural traditions. As for Indonesia’s hundreds of
ethnicities and cultures, modern and traditional Batik making has spread across all provinces
of Indonesia, and even Millennials and Z generations take notice of it and here are their
opinions.

Batik Megamendung, origin from West Java Province, is a very popular type of Batik, which
is the pleasure of young people owning this type of Batik and has been used as the cover of
Batik Design, a foreign book from the Netherlands.

Batik Megamendung Batik Medan

Batik Design book,

written by the Dutch
designer, Pepin van
Roojen. Megamendung
pattern variation as its
cover

The other types of popular Batik are Batik Medan, origin from Medan City, North Sumatran
Province, Batik Tujuh Rupa (7 forms), origin from Pekalongan City, Central Java Province,
 Indonesian Batik Traditional Art

Batik Yogya, origin from City of Yogyakarta, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Batik
Surakarta, origin from Surakarta City, Central Java Province, Indonesia

Batik Surakarta Batik Tujuh Rupa

Pekalongan
. Batik Yogya

iii. Role of Millennials and Z Generations in preserving Batik Art

According to the pie chart below, young generations consider that Batik promotes elegance
value and nationalism identity, as well as other opinions of aesthetics, fashionable, and
flexibility. While few others consider it only as an obligation for event purposes.

Flexible Other Media (TV, Other Family and

Fashionable 8% 2% social 2% Relatives
8% media) 7%
Elegance 7%
34% Event
Aesthetics Dresscode /
15% Self-
Formality motivated
23% 61%
Nationalism
33%

Consideration when wearing Batik Influence on wearing Batik apparel

Whatever the reasons for the young generation in wearing Batik apparel, the role of the
younger generation is crucial in preserving Batik art. According to the pie chart of the factors
that influence young people on wearing Batik apparel, the most factor is self-motivation.
Indeed that other data shows the other factors are a formality of events, media influence,
relatives, family, and others such as culture and job obligations. However, the majority has
the self-motivation on using Batik is the most important factor that shows the Indonesian
Millennials and Z Generations already have pure intentions in preserving Batik art.
Indonesian Batik Traditional Art

Modern Style Apparels Batik Art Apparels

However, with the development of times and as generations grow in the future, the more
modern types of clothing will emerge, and provoke the question of how it is the future of
Batik art. Indonesian young generations are inclined to the western trend of clothing styles
and famous branded apparels. Young people tend to fond of the clothing styles of famous
artists or influencers and Batik tends to be the usage in formal events or on a specific day.
According to the survey, our young generations generate a positive opinion about Batik art
future and allow me to state their opinions. The majority of the respondents state that Batik
will continuously exist and still become part of the daily usage of Indonesian citizens and
will continue to be of fascination to the future generations and the whole of Indonesia.

The development of modern types of clothing may threaten the reputation of Batik art, but
respondents have the key to keep Batik art alive, namely increasing the popularity of Batik
art through social media. One respondent stated Batik will still be the most precious treasure
of art among Indonesian and international communities considering that Batik is also very
popular abroad. Although there are also some opinions which state that the future Batik will
be facing fierce competition with modern clothing styles, respondents still have high hopes
that the Batik art will survive for future generations to come.

Respondents also provided various solutions regarding the preservation of Batik art. Batik
can be used more often in an event so that it can become a habit. The role of the Millennials
and Z Generations is also needed in campaigning for the use of batik so that the next
generation can continue this trend. Respondents also thought that it is hoped that in the future,
local designers will create Batik designs that are suitable for informal activities to make them
more attractive.
Indonesian Batik Traditional Art

III. My Comments and Conclusion

a. Projected Future of Batik Traditional Art

From what I have experienced of the modern development in
clothing styles, I saw that the more popular promotion are the
branded items of clothing and styles that usually wore by
famous influencers and artists. While I saw that among a
group of my friends who prefer to wear that when hangout,
events and other occasions. Batik nowadays has found a great
deal of popularity by combining modern style clothing with
the Batik patterns. I think that will increasingly diminish the
value of the Batik art itself, since, from the pattern alone, it
Myself wearing Batik on can be identified what Batik type it is, and what is the
Wedding Ceremony philosophy behind it. More and more Batik producers now
use digital printing, and it became one of the most consumed types of Batik in modern times.
Therefore, the projected future of Batik Art will be challenging unless there will be an
innovation of Batik Art.

Wearing Batik on Singapore

International Math Olympiad
Challenge (SIMOC) 2017
Wearing Batik when
receiving an award for High-
School Quiz Contest

b. Preservation of Batik Culture for Future Generations

Millennials and Z Generations are now having their social media as part of their daily usage.
Moreover, I am certain that young generations quickly understand the new trends of songs,
Indonesian Batik Traditional Art

dances, events, news that happens every day. I am also amazed how quickly a trend will
become famous if it is popularized through social media such as Facebook, Tiktok, Instagram,
and other media. A term of online generations like this can be used as an advantage to
popularize and preserve Batik art. Today’s young generation can also understand and be
affected by the Batik through social media.

c. Conclusion
Indonesian Batik Traditional Art has survived for hundreds of years even in this modern
era. The various production processes of Batik, handmade, seal/stamp, digital printing,
screen printing, and painting, all of them have provided extraordinary beauty and
uniqueness which also shows the original identity of the Indonesian nation. The younger
generation, namely Millennials and Z Generations, have provided their opinions in the
survey I have conducted. From the survey, it is clear that the younger generation has a
crucial role to preserve Batik art so that it can be enjoyed by future generations. I am
certain that Batik will survive and there will be the latest innovations regarding the
promotion of local Batik as well as getting more well-known internationally.
Indonesian Batik Traditional Art

Appendix 1: Indonesian Millennials and Z Generation Opinion Survey

on Indonesian Batik Traditional Art

This survey aims to fulfill the Mid-term Examination assignment of the Overview of China
(中国概况) course. The results of the opinion records will be analyzed and compiled in the
Investigation Report and will be submitted to the lecturer, 尹晓静老师. The opinion results in
the individual participant forms will not be disseminated or misused for any purpose. I,
Timothy Joseph Hutagaol, Chemical Engineering undergraduate student, Tianjin University,
would like to thank the participants for taking the time to fill out this form.

Survei ini bertujuan untuk memenuhi tugas Ujian Tengah Semester mata kuliah Overview of
China (中国概况). Hasil dari rekam pendapat akan dianalisis dalam Laporan Investigasi dan
akan dikumpulkan kepada dosen, 尹晓静老师. Hasil pendapat dalam formulir masing-masing
peserta tidak akan disebarkan atau disalahgunakan untuk tujuan apa pun. Saya, Timothy
Joseph Hutagaol, mahasiswa S1 Teknik Kimia, Tianjin University, berterima kasih kepada
peserta sudah meluangkan waktu mengisi formulir ini.
* Required

Your Name / Nama Anda *

Your answer

Gender / Jenis kelamin *

O Male / Laki-laki
O Female / Perempuan

Occupation / Pekerjaan

Your answer

1. Do you like wearing batik? / Apakah anda menyukai berbusana batik? *

Your answer

2. What is the reason of you wearing batik? / Apakah alasan anda berbusana batik? *
O Motif unik
O Fleksibel
O Estetika
O Elegan
Indonesian Batik Traditional Art

O Identitas bangsa
O Fashionable
O Other:

3. What do you know about batik art? / Apakah yang anda ketahui tentang kesenian batik? *

Your answer

4. When do you usually wear batik? / Kapan biasanya anda berbusana Batik? *

Your answer

5. What type of Batik do you often use? Tipe Batik seperti apa yang sering anda gunakan? *
O Batik Tulis
O Batik Cap
O Batik Cetak Sablon
O Batik Printing
O Batik Lukis
O Other:

6. Do you have other objects that has a batik motif? (For example, a batik-patterned wallet,
sarong, apparel, footwear, etc) / Apa Anda memiliki benda lain yang bermotif batik? (Misalnya
dompet bermotif batik, sarung, pakaian, sepatu, dll.) *

Your answer

7. According to your opinion, what is the philosophy or purpose behind batik art? / Menurut
pendapat Anda, apa filosofi atau makna dari kesenian batik? *

Your answer
Indonesian Batik Traditional Art

8. Modern and traditional batik making has spread across all provinces in Indonesia. Which
type of batik are you most interested in, and type in your reasons. / Pembuatan batik modern
maupun tradisional tersebar di seluruh provinsi di Indonesia. Jenis batik manakah yang paling
anda minati, dan sertakan juga alasannya. *

Your answer

9. What are your considerations when wearing batik clothes? / Apa pertimbangan Anda saat
memakai busana batik? *
O Fashionable
O Fleksibel
O Elegan
O Nasionalisme
O Estetika
O Other:

10. Who influenced you to dress in batik? / Siapa yang memengaruhi Anda untuk berbusana
batik? *
O Media (TV, Social Media, dll)
O Kerabat
O Diri sendiri
O Formalitas Dresscode Acara
O Other:

11. With the development of various types of modern clothing culture today, what do you think
about the trends in the use of Batik in the future? / Dengan berkembangnya budaya pakaian
yang lebih modern yang lebih bervariasi saat ini, bagaimana pendapatmu mengenai tren
pemakaian Batik di masa depan? *

Your answer
Indonesian Batik Traditional Art

12. In your opinion, do millennials and generation Z prefer modern clothes or wear batik?
Include the reason as well. / Menurut pendapat Anda, apakah generasi milenial dan generasi Z
lebih menyukai pakaian modern atau berbusana batik ? Sertakan juga alasannya. *

Your answer

13. In your opinion, what is the role of the current generation in preserving batik art culture in
the future? / Menurut pendapat Anda, bagaimana peran generasi saat ini untuk melestarikan
kebudayaan batik di masa depan? *

Your answer

Submit