Jepara Batik Crafters Aren't Afraid Their Work Will Be Plagiarized

Batik artisans in Jepara are not afraid of their designs being plagiarized by other business actors. For Jepara batik artisans, plagiarism of batik designs actually shows a class difference.

This emerged when 30 Jepara batik artisans who joined the Biyung Pralodo Association held a joint event at the Pendopo Kartini Jepara on Wednesday (2/10/2024).

The activity labeled "Exhibition, Fashion Show, and Talk Show in the framework of National Batik Day 2024" was attended by the Acting Regent of Jepara Edy Supriyanta. In addition to batik artisans, this activity was also attended by elements of regional apparatus, teachers, and women's organizations.

The fearlessness of Jepara artisans, as conveyed by Suyanti Jatmiko from Nalendra Galeri Jepara when she was a resource person for the talk show. The woman who is also the Chairperson of the Biyung Pralodo Association said that God prepares sustenance in each path.

“Plagiarists and designers are in different classes. After all, the head will always be in front, the tail will always be behind. If we want to continue to be creative and innovative, God willing, we will always be guided by God,” Yanti said philosophically.

She said that Jepara batik artisans have now stopped registering patents for their designs. According to her, when the motif or color of the design is slightly changed, the design change can be registered for patent by someone else.

“I have 15 patents. Each artisan member of Biyung Pralodo also has a different number. But in the end we chose to stop registering,” she added.

Suyanti’s statement was in response to the suggestion by the Chairperson of the Jepara Nahdlatul Ulama Muslimat Branch Noor Ainy that existing batik designs always have their patents registered. According to her, the Jepara Muslimat NU PC has long worn Jepara motif batik uniforms by Nalendra Gallery.

"But suddenly there was an organization outside the region that used imitation designs and products. That means it has been reproduced and sold from who knows where," he said.

Fashion and beauty practitioner Siti Aqidatun, who was also a resource person at the event, said that Jepara residents could support the development of Jepara batik by wearing products made by Jepara artisans.

Meanwhile, Acting Regent of Jepara Edy Supriyanta invited batik artisans to use the Peringgitan Room in the Pendopo complex of Jepara Regency as a place to exhibit their products.

"Please arrange it well, provide a contact number for ordering. On October 28, 2024, we will host the commemoration of Youth Pledge Day at the Central Java level. Regional guests must see our products," he said.

When delivering the committee's report, Alfiyah from Gendhis Batik Jepara said that 30 artisans who are members of the Biyung Pralodo Association produce batik with Jepara motifs. However, each has its own product characteristics according to the wisdom of their respective villages.

"The motifs and colors used reflect the diversity of Jepara culture and illustrate how batik is not only a cultural heritage, but also an identity for its craftsmen," said Alfiyah.

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