At 93, batikmaker Jogo still going strong

At 93, batikmaker Jogo still going strong

By R. Agus Bakti

PAJIMATAN, Yogyakarta (JP): Ask people in the know about batik
in Pajimatan, Imogiri, Yogyakarta, and they are sure to direct
you to Ibu Jogopertiwi.

At 93, Ibu Jogo, as she is known, is still going strong
producing handmade batik in Pajimatan, about 22 kilometers from
Yogyakarta and the site of the graves of the rulers of the
ancient kingdom of Mataram.

She has lived a simple, hard life, including residing in a
cave with her father when she was young.

"It is from living in caves I acquired the expertise in making
batik. I was totally self-taught in learning batik," she said.

She continues to make batik using a process that dates back
centuries. The unbleached plain cloth is washed in a mixture of
starch and water, after which it is dried and ironed.

The actual process of making the batik begins with the
application of the wax, which is followed by the dyeing and the
removal of the wax.

Although the most common coloring technique these days
involves the use of a little brushed-on dye, Pajimatan batik like
those made by Ibu Jogo conform to the traditional process of
dipping them into the dye.

"This dyeing is known in the batik-making process as medel,"
Ibu Jogo said. Dyes made from plant extracts were used in the
past, but today synthetic colors are used.

She added that the final two processes of dipping the fabric
in the dyes and removing it were no longer done entirely in
Pajimatan because of a lack of water. The materials are taken
instead to Yogyakarta and Surakarta.

Ibu Jogo said the most interesting part of her work was the
application of the wax with the canting, a small instrument
specifically used for the process. She said it required skill and
perseverance to create the desired motif.

Every area where batik is made has its own motifs and
backgrounds. Ibu Jogo prefers to create her own motifs, with some
of them inspired by nature. The mother of five, grandmother of 26
and great-grandmother of three applies the motifs directly
without following a pattern.

One of her most recent motifs is called Irian, so named
because it was created during the troubles in Irian Jaya.

In recognition of her commitment to preserving the tradition
of handmade batik, Ibu Jogo was awarded the Upakarti
medal in 1992.

"I really didn't want to go (to accept the medal) because I am
too old, plus I am illiterate and can do nothing. Making batik is
the only thing I can do."

Recognition also has come from distant shores. A Japanese
entrepreneur once invited her to move to Japan.

"Although they said they would provide me with complete
facilities, I refused. I already feel at peace living here and
making batik with artisans and my other students."

She said the community included at least 50 batikmakers, not
counting those living in the area of Girilaya, north of
Pajimatan.

Another batikmaker who has lived with Ibu Jogo for about five
years, Ibu Mardiutomo, said her craft was a living, but it also
gave her satisfaction to be part of the preservation of a
tradition.

Ibu Mardi also designs her own motifs. She plots her patterns,
however, because "I couldn't make batik if I had to make it Ibu
Jogo's way".

She said it was most difficult to make handmade batik on silk,
because it was hard to remove the wax if an error was made. "That
is why one must be very careful and patient."

The skill, technique and meticulous quality of the batik made
in the area are well-known. It sometimes takes three months to
complete one of the finest products. Most customers understand
the length of time it takes to craft a batik, which ranges in
price from Rp 200,000 to Rp 300,000.

One order came from a Yogyakarta man who wanted to give the
batik to his children to show them the work of a nonagenarian.
Ibu Jogo said his act moved her to tears.