Human Resources Issues Challenge to Preserving Batik

Human resource (HR) issues are one of the challenges in preserving batik as a national culture. Currently, most batik artisans are from the older generation, necessitating regeneration. This was expressed by Chichi Sri Suharti, a batik business owner in Semarang, in an interactive dialogue with RRI Semarang on Saturday (December 17, 2022).

"Creating a new generation who truly cares about and preserves batik is still a work in progress. Indeed, some have already incorporated entrepreneurship into courses at elementary, junior high, and college levels, but it's still just an educational experience. Hopefully, some will continue," she said.

Nevertheless, the owner of Chilomita Batik and Craft acknowledged the government's extraordinary role in helping provide batik education to the younger generation. The various training programs frequently held by the government are expected to be one way to foster regeneration in the batik industry.

Meanwhile, Eko Haryanto, Chairman of the Semarang Batik Association, believes that education about batik-making for the younger generation should be tailored to their age and abilities.

"For children, it's tailored. For those in kindergarten or elementary school, if they like a particular motif, they can create it, but the technique still uses a canting (canting) and other techniques, according to the work competency standards. So, first, we foster a sense of enjoyment and comfort. Sometimes, children can't be forced. Creating batik motifs has a message. Then, when they reach junior high, high school, or college, they can reach that stage," he explained.

This batik village artisan also revealed that next January he will hold a Semarang Batik Creation Competition, with participants from 16 districts across Semarang. From each district, he hopes to produce at least 100 young batik artists who can become new entrepreneurs in the city.