Dyeing  Stories Across Generations

Agus Ismoyo Isnugroho, founder of Babaran Segaragunung Culture House, has dedicated his career to practicing and preserving Javanese batik, a centuries-old Indonesian textile art. With roots in Solo, one of Java’s historic batik centers, the artisans at Babaran Segaragunung draw on techniques passed down through generations while introducing new approaches that reflect cultural traditions and contemporary contexts. Their work ranges from textiles to jewelry incorporating batik motifs, creating a cohesive collection tied to Indonesia’s artistic heritage legacy. Agus notes the importance of collectively making their art: "We work as a community. The people in our studio have been working with us for decades. They are like a cultural family.”

At Babaran Segaragunung, the batik-making process is intricate and intentional, requiring repeated cycles of wax application and natural dyeing. They use a wax resist technique where molten wax is drawn on the cloth or stamped with copper or wooden stamps. This molten wax prevents the penetration of dyes into the fabric. Some textiles undergo as many as 70 layers of this labor-intensive process, producing designs reflecting life's interconnectedness and the environment. These patterns often take inspiration from ancient cosmological principles and mythological stories, ensuring that each piece carries meaning beyond its visual appeal. Agus’ jewelry extends these narratives into wearable designs, providing another dimension to his exploration of batik as a medium for storytelling.

Agus and his team at Babaran Segaragunung have ensured the survival of traditional batik techniques. Their work represents a commitment to the sustainable preservation of batik while inviting new audiences to engage with this traditional Indonesian art form.