NGEBATIK TANPA LIMBAH | PELESTARI

Key Concepts:

1. Introduction to Batik Tulis Kebon Indah

Klaten is a batik distribution center in Indonesia, with Kebon Village in Bayat subdistrict being a hub for batik industry.
Batik Tulis Kebon Indah specializes in natural dyes.

2. The Use of Natural Dyes

Natural dyes are derived from sources like daun Tom (indigo leaves), teak leaves, mango leaves, kersen leaves, coconut fiber, and mahogany bark.
The group also plants dye-yielding plants and collects fruit peels (rambutan, mangosteen) for dyes.
The use of natural dyes is motivated by environmental concerns and safety.
- "Kita menggunakan pewarna alam karena kita hidupnya di desa satu banyak dari lingkungan kita yang bisa kita pakai dan kita ingin di desa kita ini tetap menjadi desa yang Asri tidak kena limbah jadi kita memilih pewarnaan alam karena warna alam adalah warna yang ramah lingkungan selain ramah lingkungan juga dipakainya aman" - Dalmini

3. History and Background

Batik Tulis Kebon Indah was established in 2010, evolving from individual batik artisans.
Prior to forming the group, artisans worked independently, supplying batik to collectors in Solo and Jogja.
An NGO provided assistance after the 2006 earthquake to help revive the local economy through batik production.

4. Reasons for Choosing Natural Dyes

Personal experience with synthetic dyes led to the decision to use natural dyes.
Synthetic dyes caused skin irritation, respiratory problems, and environmental pollution.
Natural dyes are considered safer for both the artisans and the environment.
- "sebelum tahun 2006 itu saya pribadi pernah Merantau membatik di Jogja dan saya di Jogja itu pembagiannya adalah membatik dan mewarnaan jadi saya sudah pernah merasakan menggunakan pewarnaan sintetis itu selain tangan gatal ini untuk penglihatan juga ini bisa berkurang karena dari aroma itu juga menjadi sesak nafas juga di sana itu ada limbah untuk pembuangannya tapi ya tetap saja namanya sintetis ya tetap masih ada yang bercecer" - Dalmini

5. Batik Production Process

Preparation: Fabric is washed, mordanted with tawas (alum), and left overnight.
Design: The design is drawn onto the fabric, often featuring local flora and fauna.
Canting (Waxing): The design is applied with hot wax using a canting tool.
Dyeing: The fabric is dyed multiple times (at least five dips) to achieve the desired color intensity. Dyes are prepared by boiling natural materials and letting them sit overnight.
Fixation: The colors are fixed using kapur sirih (lime).
Re-waxing: Additional waxing may be applied for complex designs.
Pelorotan (Wax Removal): The wax is removed by boiling the fabric.
Finishing: The fabric is dried and ready for sale.
The entire process takes approximately one month per piece of fabric.

6. Environmental Benefit Cycle

Batik Tulis Kebon Indah operates on a cycle of environmental benefit.
Dye residues are used to water plants and fertilize the soil.
Wood ash from boiling dyes is used as fertilizer in rice fields.
Lime waste is used by farmers to repel pests.
Nothing is wasted in the process.
- "sisa untuk pewarnaan itu itu bisa dipakai lagi tidak ada yang terbuang jadi pewarnaan alam itu tidak ada yang terbuang dari mulai limbah kayu-kayu yang kita rebus itu bisa untuk kayu bakar dan abunya bisa dibawa ke sawah untuk pupuk dan untuk warna Indigo itu dari sisa pencelupan itu bisa untuk menyiram tanaman itu untuk jolawe yang kita rebus itu juga bisa untuk pupuk tanaman jadi tidak ada yang terbuang" - Dalmini

7. Comparison with Synthetic Dyes

The video references an episode of "Ekspedisi 3 Sungai" about batik production along the Bengawan Solo River.
The episode highlights the environmental pollution caused by synthetic dyes, which contain heavy metals like cadmium, sodium, chromium, lead, and mercury.
Cadmium is identified as a particularly dangerous heavy metal that can damage the nervous system and increase the risk of cancer.

8. Business and Marketing

Batik Tulis Kebon Indah sells batik and offers batik-making workshops.
They host trainees from other regions and, pre-pandemic, hosted international visitors.
Prices start from IDR 450,000.
The group's batik has reached national and international markets (Japan, Netherlands, USA).
The pandemic has impacted sales, but international orders are starting to recover.
Profits are shared among the group members, and a portion is reinvested in the business.

9. Community Impact and Sustainability

The group aims to preserve the environment for future generations.
- "kita juga berpikir panjang nanti untuk airnya itu ke sumur itu kan demi untuk anak cucu kita nanti yang menggunakan merasakan nantinya jadi kita benar-benar ingin menjaga lingkungan kita supaya tetap Asri" - Dalmini
They hope to encourage younger generations to continue the batik tradition and preserve the environment.
They address the issue of local youth migrating for work and hope to provide opportunities to keep them in the village.

10. Conclusion

Batik Tulis Kebon Indah exemplifies a sustainable and environmentally responsible business model.
Their commitment to natural dyes and waste reduction creates a positive impact on the environment and the community.
The group serves as an example of how traditional crafts can be practiced in a way that benefits both people and the planet.
The hope is that the batik can be sold worldwide and that the younger generation will continue to preserve the batik and the environment.
- "harapan dari kita supaya batik tetap Lestari sepanjang masa Satu Nomor duanya penjualannya batik dari kelompok ibu-ibu ini bisa mendunia dan untuk pelestariannya supaya nanti dari generasi penerusnya tetap memakai batik ataupun segala sesuatunya adalah pelestari alam itu" - Dalmini