CULTURAL LITERACY FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS THROUGH BATIK

Abstract

Indonesia has a diverse cultural heritage, one of which is batik, recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage. In the era of globalization, cultural literacy is crucial for introducing Indonesian culture to the world, especially to international students, in order to strengthen national identity and promote Indonesian culture globally. One effective method is through a batik workshop for international students, aimed at enhancing understanding of the cultural values embedded in batik. This Community Service Program was conducted using a participatory approach, combining theory, demonstrations, and hands-on practice. Participants were introduced to the history, philosophy, and techniques of batik, and then created simple batik artworks on tote bags, allowing participants to experience the creative process while deeply appreciating Indonesian culture. The workshop results demonstrated that this method effectively fosters appreciation and interest in batik among international students while strengthening cross-cultural communication. Through the batik-making experience, participants not only gained technical skills but also understood the philosophical values within each batik motif. Positive responses from participants affirm that this approach can serve as an effective strategy for cultural diplomacy and the preservation of batik on an international scale.