Celebrating Heritage, Embracing Batik in Modern Lifestyle

Gelar Batik Nusantara 2025: Celebrating Heritage, Embracing Batik in Modern Lifestyles

The Indonesian Batik Foundation (Yayasan Batik Indonesia / YBI) officially opened the Gelar Batik Nusantara (GBN) 2025 today at Pasaraya Blok M, South Jakarta. This biennial event returns as a space of celebration, appreciation, and cross-generational collaboration to revive batik as an essential part of Indonesian identity and lifestyle.

Adopting the theme “Bangga Berbatik,” GBN 2025 encourages the public to perceive batik not just as a cultural heritage, but as a dynamic, relevant, and proud lifestyle choice in today’s modern era.

GBN 2025 was officially opened by the Chairperson of the National Crafts Council (Dekranas), Mrs. Selvi Gibran Rakabuming, Minister of Industry, Mr. Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, along with the Minister of Investment, Minister of Tourism, Governor of Jakarta, and Chairperson of YBI, Mrs. Gita Ratna Gilangkencana. The opening was also attended by Deputy Ministers, government representatives, cultural figures, batik communities, as well as event sponsors and partners.

The Opening Ceremony featured an a cappella rendition of the national anthem by Prince Poetiray, followed by a dance performance titled 'Jejak Jiwa Pada Kain”. The ceremony continued with prayers, speeches, and awards presented to batik figures who have made significant contributions to preserving and innovating Indonesian batik. The ceremony concluded with a tambourine performance and an exclusive exhibition tour.

Reviving Batik Through Collaboration & Innovation

This year, GBN 2025 highlights Batik Merawit from Cirebon, a meticulous fine-line batik technique that received Geographical Indication (IndiGeo) status in November 2024.

“This is a form of our commitment not only to celebrate heritage but also to push for legitimacy and recognition of batik as part of the future,” said Mrs. Gita Ratna Gilangkencana, Chair of GBN 2025.

On opening day, a conceptual performance titled “Merawit Rasa” will be held as a fundraising event to support The Indonesian Batik Foundation (Yayasan Batik Indonesia / YBI) programs. The show features collaborations with artists such as Happy Salma, Prince Poetiray, Dudy Gunawan, Manshur Angklung, and Ipin Pian, with a special culinary presentation by Oma Elly. All donations collected will be used to preserve Indonesian batik.

Five Days of Immersive Cultural Experiences

Throughout its five-day run, GBN 2025 features over 200 booths of batik UMKM and Indonesian culinary vendors. Visitors can also enjoy talk shows, workshops, batik parades, immersive tunnels, photobooths, nail art, and live batik demonstrations by the Cirebon Batik Association.

On the second day, a talk show titled “Sehelai Batik, Sejalur Kehidupan” with Putri Komar will explore the philosophy of batik in daily life. Other activities include music performances, angklung shows, a beauty workshop 'Science of Beauty Soirée' by Duvaderm, and GBN 2025 Live Shopping via Instagram @ybi.official.

The third day, Friday, August 1, 2025, will feature a talk show “Urban Batik: Ketika Warisan Menjadi Gaya” with Oemah Etnik and Wilsen Willim, along with two sessions of the “Industrial Festival” by the Ministry of Industry. In the evening, shopping festivities will continue with “Late Nite Shopping” featuring Aksara Records, Zodiac, and Plastic Ziya.

On the fourth day, Saturday, August 2, 2025, GBN 2025 will present a special performance by Maliq & D’Essentials at 1:00 PM. The soulful band will deliver their signature songs in a batik-themed ambiance, creating a warm and festive atmosphere at the exhibition. Other events include talk shows, children's programs, Tarakanita Batik performance, and Coffee Talk discussing the relationship between coffee and mental health.

To conclude the event on Sunday, August 3, 2025, GBN 2025 will host a Fun Run & Walk, encouraging the public to celebrate batik through a healthy lifestyle. The event is open to the public, and all donations will support YBI’s assisted batik SMEs.

Cross-Generational Collaboration for Sustainable Batik

GBN 2025 serves as a collaborative platform for all batik enthusiasts — from artisans, artists, business players, to young generations eager to get closer to batik. The participation of Maliq & D’Essentials symbolizes the harmony between music, culture, and youth, proving that batik can be celebrated in a fresh and relevant way.

This event is made possible by the synergy between the Ministry of Industry, Dekranas, key sponsors such as Astra and Medco, PT Mediatama Binakreasi, Mata Studio, Stupa Indonesia, Nuansa, Inet Leimeina, all partners and donors continuously supporting batik preservation and development.

“Preserving batik is a journey that cannot be taken alone. It is a journey we take together,” affirmed Mrs. Gita Ratna Gilangkencana.

For more information, please visit our official social media accounts @ybi.official and @gelarbatiknusantara.