According to the Oxford Dictionary, batik is a technique for printing patterns on fabric using wax to block areas that should not be coloured. In this process, wax—a solid substance typically derived from fat or oil—creates intricate patterns and designs.
Meanwhile, Kamus Dewan describes batik as “kain yang bercorak (dilukis atau ditera dengan lilin dan dicelup),” which translates to fabric with patterns created by painting or stamping with wax before dyeing.
Furthermore, as detailed in these journals (1 & 2), the term batik originates from the Javanese words ambatik or tritik. The common suffix tik means “to create little dots,” while ambatik signifies the act of drawing, writing, painting, or dripping. Batik patterns can be made using various methods, including a carved block, a screen, or manual hand strokes.
Malaysian batik is an intricate textile art with a history spanning centuries. This unique artistic expression has won the hearts of Malaysians and gained international recognition. In this post, we explore the history of Malaysian batik.
The origin of batik remains a complex puzzle, as scholars have yet to pinpoint its exact source and antiquity. Experts offer varying perspectives on this ancient craft.
For example, Arney (1987) highlights the diverse regional classifications of batik in the Malay Archipelago, showcasing the richness of batik techniques. Keller (1966) suggests batik could be at least 2,000 years old, though its true beginnings remain unknown.
Before exploring Malaysian batik, it is crucial to examine batik artefacts from different locales. Raffles (1817) mentions batik as a common element in Javanese arts and crafts, particularly in textile garments.
Mijer (1919) notes that the origin of batik in Java remains uncertain. However, evidence from 13th-century temple ruins in Indonesia suggests batik was already established there.
Although batik has a long history in Java, its precise origins remain elusive. Some scholars, including Steinmann (1958), Kafka (1959), and Robinson (1970), propose that batik originated in India or China before spreading elsewhere. Spee (1982) suggests batik had roots in Asia before disseminating globally over time.
Malaysia plays a significant role in batik’s history due to its strategic position as a trading hub. Batik, along with other cultural traditions, likely reached the Malay Peninsula through trade and cultural exchanges.
Swettenham (1910) documented a conversation about batik in Malay, signifying its presence in the region. Dennys (1894) observed Javanese batik sarongs among Malay communities, highlighting their cultural and aesthetic significance.
While batik’s exact origin remains uncertain, this craft has a rich history in Southeast Asia, especially in Indonesia, which is renowned for its high-quality batik. Malaysian batik, influenced by Java, thrives in states like Kelantan and Terengganu, where traditional techniques such as tie-dye and block stamping are still practised.
The introduction of batik to the Malay Peninsula can be attributed to historical trade relations. These trade connections between Malaysia and Indonesia date back centuries, extending to the Malacca Kingdom. Remarkably, these ties endured even during European colonisation.
This relationship is exemplified by a conversation documented by Swettenham (1910), a British officer who studied Malay culture and language. In Vocabulary of the English and Malay Languages, he records a dialogue about batik at a bazaar:
Âpa angkau jûal di-sini?
What do you sell here?
Sahya mau bli kain sârong bâtek, bûata-an Jâwa, bûlih-kah dâpat di-sini?
I want to buy some sarongs, Javanese, can I get them here? (p. 213)
This historical context highlights the deep cultural and trade connections that shaped batik’s history in the region.
Finally, here is an intriguing fact about Malaysian batik. In the 1970s, batek was the common spelling in Malaysia until it was standardised as batik in the 1980s.
Jadi Batek was the sole batik shop in Bukit Bintang during the 1970s and 1980s. It was one of Kuala Lumpur’s most popular batik and souvenir shops. Both locals and tourists visited Jadi Batek to buy batik shirts before heading to Genting Highlands, where batik attire was mandatory to enter the casino.
References:
Akhir, N. H. M., Ismail, N. W., Said, R., & Kaliappan, S. R. A. P. (2015). Traditional craftsmanship: The origin, culture, and challenges of batik industry in Malaysia. In Islamic perspectives relating to business, arts, culture and communication: Proceedings of the 1st ICIBACC 2014 (pp. 229-237). Springer Singapore.
Nordin, R., & Abu Bakar, S. S. (2012). Malaysian batik industry: Protecting local batik design by copyright and industrial design laws. International Journal of Business & Society, 13(2).
Syed Shaharuddin, S. I., Shamsuddin, M. S., Drahman, M. H., Hasan, Z., Mohd Asri, N. A., Nordin, A. A., & Shaffiar, N. M. (2021). A review on the Malaysian and Indonesian batik production, challenges, and innovations in the 21st century. SAGE Open, 11(3), 21582440211040128.
Yong, C. (2023). Malaysia Batik | Jadi batek. Jadi Batek. https://jadibatek.com/batik/
Batik History – MyBatik Kuala Lumpur. (n.d.). https://mybatik.org.my/batik/batikhistory/
Ilya. (2016, May 26). A colorful history of Batik – FAQ. FAQ. https://www.wonderfulmalaysia.com/faq/a-colorful-history-of-batik.htm
