Malang, March 6th, 2024 - Politeknik Negeri Malang (Polinema) chose one of Batik Lintang’s products, namely a scarf patterned with seven Malangan masks, as a souvenir during a visit to Politeknik Merlimau Melaka (PMM) Malaysia on Wednesday, March 6th, 2024 at the Jabatan Pelancongan and Hospitaliti Building, PMM Malaysia.

The making of seven Malangan mask pattern scarf uses the hand-written batik technique with synthetic batik coloring using remazol dyes still imported from other countries such as India, Japan, and Germany. The meaning of Malangan mask pattern symbolizes seven mask characters, namely Topeng Bapang, Dewi Sekar Taji, Panji Asmoro Bangun, Ragil Kuning, Klana Sewandana, Punakawan, and Gunung Sari, which are well-known characters for Malangan masks.

Ita Fitriyah (46), owner of Batik Lintang, stated that she was very proud that her product was chosen as a souvenir. She sees the selection of one of the products from Batik Lintang as an important step in introducing the beauty of Malang batik to the international world.

“I feel very proud when it is used as one of the souvenirs to represent Polinema to visit foreign countries by introducing the archipelago’s hand-written batik through seven characters of Malangan masks pattern scarf as a means of cultural and academic exchange, where the academic world is also equally engaged in introducing one of the cultures that the world has recognized as intangible heritage.”

Nugrahaningtyas (36), one of the Polinema delegates who visited PMM, said that Batik Lintang products were selected as souvenirs due to the quality of manufacture and pattern.

“The scarf chosen as a souvenir is the result of meticulously hand-written batik so that it gives more impression to the house. The pattern on the scarf is in the form of seven mask characters, which is very iconic for Malang. So, it is a perfect choice for souvenirs from Malang,” she explained.

Polinema’s visit to PMM Malaysia was an important moment in the cooperation between the two institutions after the signing of the MoU the previous year. The Polinema delegation team from the D4 BIKBP and D4 BIIP study programs attended the event, consisting of the head of study programs, four lecturers, and seven students. As well as the Director of Politeknik Merlimau Melaka (PMM) Malaysia, Norizam bin Sekak along with nineteen representatives of lecturers from 8 departments and representatives of student associations.

The event began with traditional art performances, kereta lembu dance and pencak silat attractions. After official remarks from both parties, the Polinema delegation team handed souvenirs to PMM Malaysia, including products from Batik Lintang.

The event proceeded to a discussion of the possibility of academic cooperation between the two institutions, especially with the two Polinema’s English study programs with related departments at PMM Malaysia such as the Department of Commerce, Department of Tourism and Hospitality, and Department of Language and Religion.

The PMM representatives, including Maria binti Mohd Yatim, head of the Department of Commerce, and Azah binti Abas, head of the Diploma of Civil Engineering study program, expressed their positive impressions of the Malangan mask pattern displayed on the scarf.

This shows their appreciation for the beauty and uniqueness of Batik Lintang products, as well as the hope to further strengthen cultural and academic cooperation between the two institutions.