Padma Journals

October 2, 2024 in Art & Culture

Batik is a traditional Indonesian textile art known for its intricate designs. The process of creating batik is truly unique. First, hot wax is applied to the fabric in desired patterns using a tool called canting. The wax is placed on the areas we want to resist the dye, so when the cloth is submerged in it, the waxed sections remain untouched. This process can be repeated for multiple colours. Once finished, the wax is removed by boiling the fabric, to reveal the pattern. The fabric is then washed and ready to be worn.Different regions in Indonesia have developed their own batik patterns, and techniques. Some of the common designs include parang (diagonal dagger patterns), kawung (symmetrical oval shapes in a grid), sawat (Garuda wings), and megamendung (clouds), as well as floral. Each of these designs often carries deep cultural significance.Batik is a symbol of national pride in Indonesia, commonly worn as formal attire for important occasions such as weddings, official ceremonies, cultural events, and even government functions. In recent years, modern batik has expanded beyond the traditional wax-resist method, incorporating techniques like screen printing, stamping, and digital printing. These innovations allow for faster production while preserving batik's distinctive aesthetic.While traditional batik tulis (hand-drawn batik) and batik cap (stamped batik) are still highly valued as art forms for their craftsmanship, modern batik offers versatility, making it more adaptable to evolving fashion trends, traditional attire, home décor, and a variety of other applications. Around our hotels and resorts, you will find our modern interpretation of batik, with our logo integrated into staff uniforms, cushion covers, mugs, and more.In 2009, UNESCO recognised Indonesian batik as a significant piece of cultural heritage on an international level. Since then, Indonesians have celebrated National Batik Day every 2nd of October. On this day, and every Friday, people proudly wear batik, which has become an official dress code for offices and organisations. Do you have any batik shirts or dresses you wear to Indonesian events? Share your stories with us in the comments!Selamat Hari Batik Nasional!

September 4, 2024 in Art & Culture

We take pride in our rich culture and traditions and are dedicated to supporting them. Through our Padma Art & Culture segment on social media, we regularly feature local artisans and cultural events unique to each Padma Hotels location. Recently, our team from Resinda Hotel Karawang had the opportunity to visit the workshop of a Wayang Kulit (Shadow Puppet) artist.Wayang Kulit is particularly popular in Java and Bali. The term "Wayang" refers to the puppet, and "Kulit" means "leather" in Indonesian, indicating the material used. This traditional performance involves puppets casting shadows on a screen, accompanied by live gamelan music. The stories in Wayang Kulit often draw from ancient epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, presenting complex narratives, moral lessons, and a rich array of characters. Each region offers its own unique tales, contributing to the diversity and charm of the performances. These shows are not merely entertainment but are deeply rooted in Indonesian culture, often incorporating elements of spiritual and philosophical significance.Although this tradition may not appeal to younger generations as much, 29-year-old Ari Destian from Karawang stands out as a dedicated advocate for Wayang Kulit. His passion began in primary school, where he initially crafted puppets from paper. He later honed his skills in cutting and colouring leather to create intricate Wayang Kulit. The process of making Wayang Kulit typically starts with preparing the skin (commonly cow or buffalo skin), which is dried and then thinned. A basic pattern is then drawn on the skin, followed by shaping the pattern with special tools, colouring, and finally assembling the parts into a complete shadow puppet.Ari specialises in Wayang Kulit Cirebonan, a style from Cirebon, West Java. This type of Wayang Kulit is distinguished by its simplicity, vibrant colours, and traditional motifs. He hopes that Wayang Kulit will remain preserved and continue to be enjoyed by future generations.