PRESERVING IDENTITY AMID THE MEGAPOLITAN TIDE: THE SYMBOLIC RESISTANCE OF BATIK BETAWI IN URBANIZING JAKARTA IN INDONESIA

Abstract (English)

The recognition of batik as a world cultural heritage from Indonesia by UNESCO in 2009 became a catalyst for the preservation of batik, including Batik Betawi. Amid rapid urbanization and gentrification, the Betawi people have faced significant displacement and cultural erosion. However, Batik Betawi, a traditional textile art, has emerged as a powerful symbol of cultural resistance and identity preservation in this megacity and a marker of local identity. Urbanization and Cultural Displacement The Betawi community, native to Jakarta, has seen its population decline significantly due to urban development projects and gentrification. This displacement has pushed many Betawi people to the city's outskirts, altering their traditional way of life and neighborhood dynamics. Despite these challenges, pockets of Betawi culture persist, showcasing resilience and adaptation. This paper discusses how Batik Betawi serves as a symbolic medium in maintaining the existence of Betawi culture amid the onslaught of urban homogenization. Using a qualitative approach and visual cultural studies, this research reveals that distinctive motifs such as ondel-ondel, tanjidor, kembang goyang (rocking flower), and rumah kebaya (kebaya house) not only represent aesthetics but also preserve historical narratives, collective memories, and local values that are at risk of being eroded. The findings highlight strategies such as motif revitalization, collaboration with contemporary designers, as well as digital archiving and community campaigns, which serve as effective forms of symbolic resistance against the marginalization of local culture. Preservation Efforts and modern adaptations of Batik Betawi motifs, inspired by urban elements, serve as a visual chronicle of Jakarta's growth and transformation. These adaptations ensure the survival and relevance of Batik Betawi in contemporary society. Challenges and Opportunities The preservation of Batik Betawi faces challenges from the rapid cultural transformations accompanying urbanization. However, modifications and creative adaptations of traditional practices, such as the Buke Palang Pintu marriage ritual, demonstrate the community's ability to maintain cultural heritage while embracing modern influences. Sustainable entrepreneurship and government support further encourage the integration of cultural heritage into economic activities, providing a pathway for Batik Betawi's continued relevance. Additionally, this batik functions as a tool for negotiating identity in both public and private spaces, showcasing the dynamic between resistance and adaptation to modernity. By analyzing the role of Batik Betawi as a craft, this paper underscores the importance of traditional crafts as a means of cultural preservation and identity expression within an ever-changing urban landscape