Batik Tulis Basurek From Bengkulu

It is said that Basurek batik cloth from Bengkulu is identical to the style of Arabic writing or it can be called Arabic calligraphy batik. Basurek or besurek itself literally also means writing or writing. Besurek cloth is believed to be the result of the physical culture of the Bengkulu people, in its motifs the influence of elements of Islamic culture can be seen, namely the motifs with Arabic calligraphy nuances.

Different regions, different batik patterns. So it's not complete if we stop by on a trip to Bengkulu without bringing a souvenir from this region's typical batik cloth, called basurek cloth. At first, Batik Basurek was identical to the style of Arabic writing or maybe Arabic calligraphy. Basurek or besurek itself literally also means writing or writing.

But now, some craftsmen have combined it with the Raflesia Arnoldy flower motif, another Bengkulu specialty. But along with its development, the basurek fabric that is now widely sold is production with stamping technology (printing). Where can you get it. You can get Basurek cloth at shops in the Anggut and Drop areas. In this area, many shops sell Basurek cloth and other Bengkulu traditional souvenirs and crafts.

For hand-drawn or hand-painted batik cloth, at least you have to order specifically, among others, to Asniarti craftsmen. Because, not every shop sells original or hand-painted basurek fabrics. Efforts to mass production with stamping technology were carried out in order to better socialize the Basurek cloth.

The reason is that Basurek stamped cloth is cheaper than writing cloth. In addition, through the development of motifs, even though they break old traditions, it is hoped that the basurek cloth will continue to be popular and be used not only for traditional purposes.

Moreover, the bare Arabic letter motifs printed on the Basurek cloth actually have no special meaning and are even difficult to read. Bare Arabic letters are used only to fulfill the perspective of art and beauty. So maybe it's just the form of scribbles that are deliberately similar to Arabic letters. Although in some types of cloth, especially for traditional ceremonies, it is written in Arabic letters that can be read. However, most of it is just a decoration similar to Arabic letters.

However, these motifs are very sacred, especially in the use of traditional bridal ceremonial cloths and to cover corpses. This type of cloth is usually in the form of a veil for the bride and groom which can also be used for pilgrimage ceremonies to the tombs of the ancestors. This ceremony is very sacred so the use of this type of cloth should not be arbitrary. There are also cloths for the bridal chamber and the celebration of the birth of a baby. In addition, a small size basurek cloth is also used as a men's headband in Bengkulu traditional clothes called detar.

Basurek Hand-drawn Batik

The work of written basurek cloth actually uses simple equipment. Craftsmen usually use a small table, a pot for the night (batik candle), a small stove, and a canting. Before making batik, a basurek pattern is drawn on cotton or silk. After that batik work begins. Each piece of basurek cloth measuring 2.25 meters by 1 meter is done in three or four days. The length of time required also depends on the complexity of the batik design pattern.

The price of besurek cloth itself varies, depending on the quality of the workmanship, the complexity of the pattern, and the quality of the material. Basurek cloth made of silk costs between Rp. 200,000 to Rp. 500,000 per sheet. The more complicated, the more expensive it is. While basurek cloth made of cotton is quite cheap, between Rp. 50,000 to Rp. 100,000 per sheet. However, there is also a 75-year-old basurek cloth that is valued at up to IDR 5 million.

Until now, there are only a few batik artisans in Bengkulu who survive, although sales are highly dependent on orders and tourists who come to Bengkulu. Like the sale of other products, the marketing of basurek cloth also experienced ups and downs. For this reason, both craftsmen, entrepreneurs, and local governments continue to develop basurek cloth so that the community continues to use it. Moreover, basurek cloth is one of the cultural heritages which also supports the economy of the people in Bengkulu.

The Meaning of the Bassurek Motif

Besurek cloth is believed to be the result of the physical culture of the Bengkulu people, in its motifs the influence of elements of Islamic culture can be seen, namely the motifs with Arabic calligraphy nuances. In subsequent developments these motifs were modified by adding other Bengkulu icons, such as; Rafflesia flowers, Kibut flowers, and others. The original or basic motif of the besurek cloth consists of seven motifs, namely:

First, Arabic calligraphy motifs, meaning that the motifs on the besurek cloth are in the form of Arabic writing.
Second, the moon motif combined with Arabic calligraphy depicts the creation of God Almighty.
Third, Arabic calligraphy and jasmine flowers, this motif not only shows the influence of Islam (Arabic calligraphy) but also describes the life of flora. Jasmine flower is one type of plant that is widely available and used in Bengkulu for a long time.
Fourth, the Kuau bird and Arabic calligraphy on the besurek cloth depict the life of the fauna. The Kuau bird is the creation of craftsmen from a long time ago.
Fifth, the tree of life, the kuau bird, and Arabic calligraphy, the besurek cloth with this motif can be said to be more developed than the one previously mentioned, because it consists of three types of motifs or images. This cloth motif depicts the life of flora, fauna, and the influence of Islam.
Sixth, Arabic calligraphy, clove flower, and cempaka flower. This motif describes the life of flora and fauna. Clove flowers and cempaka flowers are types of plants that are widely available in Bengkulu.
Seventh, Arabic calligraphy, niches of nails, and birds of prey. This motif describes the life of flora and fauna. Nail niche is a type of plant that is often found in Bengkulu in ancient times. Therefore, even this plant inspired the besurek cloth craftsmen to paint it on the cloth.

The seven basic motifs of Besurek cloth, which were created by the ancestors of the Bengkulu people, are still being preserved. The reason is, the seven motifs are the essence of the uniqueness of Bengkulu besurek cloth that is not found in other areas. While the difference in terms of function and use is the color.

Creation and Innovation

Maintaining Besurek fabrics with original motifs is important, but creating new motifs is equally important. The creation of new motifs with more diverse colors is needed to further popularize besurek fabrics. This has generally been done by most of the basurek fabric craftsmen.

In addition to more varied colors and motifs, the use of basurek cloth is now wider, not limited to only traditional events or ceremonies. Uses outside of this event include: for clothing, formal attire, uniforms, fans, tablecloths, and so on. This effort is made because the community is now more familiar with the Basurek cloth. And the wealth of Bengkulu's intangible heritage can be sustainable.