Malang, November 12th, 2024 A total of 357 students from SMPN 1 Pandaan participated in a creative initiative to produce batik on Tuesday, November 12, 2024. This project was part of the Proyek Penguatan Profil Pelajar Pancasila (P5) program, with a focus on crafting traditional headbands (udeng) and batik scarves. The activity aimed to preserve local culture, particularly the art of batik making.

SMPN 1 Pandaan has been working with Batik Lintang for three consecutive years in this P5 program. Ita Fitriyah, the founder of Batik Lintang, explained that this program aims to introduce the younger generation to the beauty and cultural values ​​contained in batik. "My mission is to educate the younger generation about batik so that they can know, understand, and appreciate it," she said.

Beyond this annual program, SMPN 1 Pandaan also supports cultural preservation through its batik extracurricular activities. These efforts ensure that students are not only exposed to batik during special events but also receive continuous education on its significance.

During the activity, students learned the technique of nyanting, the fundamental skill in creating batik tulis. They were taught how to handle the canting (a traditional tool for applying wax), regulate the wax temperature, and apply liquid wax to mori cloth, following predetermined patterns. The process of nyanting demands patience and precision to produce intricate and neat patterns. Through hands-on practice, the students gained a first-hand experience of the beauty and complexity of creating batik.

In addition to mastering the technique of menyanting, students also learn the philosophical meaning behind various typical Batik Lintang batik motifs. Each motif created by Batik Lintang has deep symbolism, making it more than just decorative art. The Tlogosari motif, which is the hallmark of Batik Lintang, is the focus of this project. "I created this motif to provide benefits to the village, and it is hoped that the government will continue to promote it as a source of pride for the local community," Ita explained.

Students were also taught about the importance of preserving batik as a national cultural heritage. By understanding the symbolism and history behind each design, they learned to value batik as a tradition worth safeguarding. The collaboration between Batik Lintang and SMPN 1 Pandaan through this annual program serves as a testament to how cultural preservation can align with education.

"Through this young generation, we hope that the batik tradition can continue to be preserved. It is very important for the young generation to appreciate, use, practice, educate, understand, and of course learn how to make batik," Ita concluded.