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Bantengan Batik: More Than Just Fabric, a Living Legacy

Anjani Sekar Arum

Anjani Sekar Arum is a young woman with a deep passion for preserving the cultural heritage of her hometown, Batu, East Java. Her story is one of dedication, resilience, and the power of art to revitalize a community. Anjani’s unique approach to preserving the traditional martial art of Bantengan through the creation of Batik Bantengan has not only breathed new life into this ancient art form but also transformed the economic landscape of her village, Bumiaji.

Anjani Sekar Arum: A Legacy of Art and Culture

Anjani Sekar Arum
Pic Source: FB Semangat Astra Terpadu

Anjani’s love for Bantengan stems from her family’s deep involvement in the art form. Her father, Agus Tubrun, is a renowned figure in the Bantengan community, having founded the Bantengan Nuswantara cultural group. Growing up in a family steeped in artistic traditions, Anjani’s passion for art was nurtured from a young age. Her grandmother was a dancer, her uncle a painter, and her great-grandparents were skilled batik makers. While her family’s legacy in batik wasn’t directly passed down to her, it sparked a deep appreciation for the art form in Anjani.

While pursuing a degree in Art and Design at Malang State University, Anjani consistently incorporated elements of Bantengan into her academic work. Her professors even nicknamed her “Anjani Bantengan” due to her unwavering dedication to showcasing this unique cultural art form. This commitment to preserving Bantengan was deeply rooted in her belief that it was a precious heritage that needed to be protected and celebrated.

Anjani, a passionate guardian of tradition, believes that the Bantengan is more than just a performance; it’s a sacred legacy from their ancestors. Driven by a deep sense of responsibility, she strives to ensure the survival of this unique art form. She sees the Bantengan as a cultural treasure, a symbol of the region’s identity, and a source of inspiration for future generations.

Bringing Bantengan Home: The Journey of Sanggar Batik Tulis Andhaka

Batik Bantengan

After graduating, Anjani’s commitment to preserving Bantengan took a concrete form. In 2014, she established her own batik studio and gallery, Sanggar Batik Tulis Andhaka, in Batu. As her business grew, she realized the need for a larger, more suitable space. In 2018, she made the significant decision to relocate her studio and gallery to Bumiaji, the village where Bantengan originated. This move was symbolic of bringing Bantengan back to its roots, a homecoming for a cherished art form.

This relocation proved to be mutually beneficial for both Anjani and Bumiaji. The village, known for its apple orchards and natural beauty, lacked a significant artistic presence. Anjani’s studio and gallery filled this void, bringing a new dimension to Bumiaji’s tourism offerings.

Bumiaji, with its picturesque apple orchards, flower gardens, and natural springs, was already a popular tourist destination. However, the village had faced a setback when its apple trees were affected by a disease eleven years ago, leading to a decline in apple picking tourism. Anjani’s arrival with her unique batik studio brought a much-needed revival to the village, offering a new attraction for tourists and a source of income for the local community.

The Birth of Batik Khas Batu: A Legacy of Tradition and Innovation

Anjani’s journey to create the Batik Bantengan was not without its challenges. While she had a deep understanding of the art form, she lacked formal training in batik making. Undeterred, she embarked on a rigorous journey of learning, traveling to Yogyakarta and Solo, two cities renowned for their batik traditions, to master the art of batik dyeing.

Anjani’s dedication and hard work paid off. Her batik creations and her thesis, which explored the art of batik, were highly praised by her university. She was even offered a scholarship for postgraduate studies and a position as a lecturer. However, Anjani chose to pursue her dream of establishing herself as a batik artist and showcasing her unique Batik Bantengan.

In 2014, Anjani achieved a significant milestone by holding her first solo exhibition at Galeri Raos in Batu. The exhibition was a resounding success, with her batik pieces receiving critical acclaim and selling out quickly. This success caught the attention of Dewanti Rumpoko, the wife of the then Mayor of Batu, Eddy Rumpoko. Recognizing the potential of Batik Bantengan, Dewanti championed its recognition as the official batik of Batu. This recognition was a significant boost for Anjani, encouraging her to further develop and promote Batik Bantengan.

A Social Movement Through Art: Empowering Young Batik Artists

Anjani Sekar Arum
Pic Source: Astra

The recognition of Batik Bantengan as Batu’s official batik did not automatically translate to widespread acceptance and popularity. Anjani realized that promoting a new motif required a more grassroots approach. She understood that simply showcasing her work at exhibitions, both domestically and internationally, wasn’t enough.

Anjani embarked on a mission to connect with the community and make Batik Bantengan a part of their lives. In 2017, she partnered with the Batu City Education Department to introduce Batik Bantengan to students. This symbiotic partnership saw the Education Department providing batik equipment to schools, while Anjani provided young batik artists from her studio to teach batik as an extracurricular activity.

Anjani’s focus on training young artists was driven by a deep concern for the future of Batu as a tourist destination. She believed that passing on the art of batik to the younger generation was crucial for preserving the cultural heritage of the region.

Beyond cultural preservation, Anjani’s initiative also had a significant economic impact. The young batik artists trained at Sanggar Batik Tulis Andhaka were not only learning a valuable skill but also earning a substantial income. Anjani ensured that 90% of the profits from the sale of their batik went directly to the young artists, empowering them financially and fostering their artistic development.

The Imperfect Beauty of Batik Bantengan: A Story of Resilience and Hope

Anjani Sekar Arum
Pic source: DutaIndonesia

While the Batik Bantengan created by the young artists at Sanggar Batik Tulis Andhaka might not be perfect in their execution, it is precisely this imperfection that adds to their value. The stories behind the creation of each piece, the dedication of the young artists, and the unique charm of their work, contribute to the high price tag of their batik.

Anjani highlights that their business is more than just selling batik cloth; it’s about sharing the soul of the art form. They are selling stories of struggle, passion, and hope, embodied by the young artists who create these masterpieces.

Anjani’s journey is an inspiring testament to the power of art to revitalize a community. Her dedication to preserving the cultural heritage of Bantengan through Batik Bantengan has not only brought a cherished art form back to its roots but also empowered young artists and revitalized the economic landscape of her village. Anjani’s story is a reminder that even in the face of challenges, passion, resilience, and a commitment to cultural preservation can lead to transformative change.

About Author

Dian Ravi. Muslimah travel blogger Indonesia. Jakarta. Part time blogger, full time day dreamer. Pink addict, but also love toska. See, even I cannot decide what's my favorite color is.Mau bikin bahagia, cukup ajak jalan dan foto-foto.

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