Sunday afternoon, July 12, 2026, the atmosphere at the Banyuwangi Batik Center felt different from usual. Not just because of the familiar scent of hot wax, but also because of the warm conversation about history flowing amid the batik-making process. This was Ngobrolin Wastra Vol. 4, a collaboration between the Banyuwangi Batik Center and Bawastra Banyuwangi, this time exploring the theme "Tracing Batik Motifs in the Puputan Bayu War."
Held free of charge, the event ran smoothly and was enthusiastically attended by participants from various backgrounds — from beginner batik enthusiasts to people who came specifically to deepen their understanding of Banyuwangi's history through cloth.
Learning to Batik While Talking History
True to its theme, Ngobrolin Wastra Vol. 4 wasn't just about theory. Participants were guided through the entire batik-making process from start to finish, and best of all: they got to take their finished work home.
The session was led by Mr. Firmas, a batik maker from Godho Batik Banyuwangi, who shared his firsthand experience with the participants. Throughout the session, the conversation went beyond technique alone — Mr. Firmas also explained how many Banyuwangi batik motifs draw inspiration from historical events, including the struggle of the Blambangan people in the Puputan Bayu War of 1771.
Learning the Mencolet and Lorot Techniques
For many participants, this was their first time practicing two important techniques in the batik process that come after the wax-drawing (canting) stage:
Mencolet technique — the process of coloring the fabric directly on specific sections bounded by wax lines, using a small brush or colet tool. Unlike dyeing the entire fabric at once, this technique allows the artisan to control color in more specific, detailed areas.
Lorot technique (nglorod) — the final stage after coloring, in which the colored fabric is dipped into boiling water to dissolve and remove the wax that clings to it. This is the process that finally reveals the original motif hidden beneath the layer of wax.
The moment the wax melts away and the motif finally appears clearly is one of the most anticipated parts for participants — similar to the "reveal" sensation that is also a favorite moment in other batik workshops.
Tracing the Legacy of Puputan Bayu Through Cloth
What made Ngobrolin Wastra Vol. 4 feel different from an ordinary batik-learning session was the in-depth discussion about the Puputan Bayu War. In that discussion, participants were guided to understand how the heroic event of the Blambangan people fighting against the VOC on December 18, 1771, helped shape Banyuwangi's cultural identity to this day — including through the batik motifs still preserved by local artisans.
The discussion emphasized that Banyuwangi batik is not merely cloth with beautiful patterns, but also a medium for preserving the community's collective memory of its history and ancestors' struggles.
Why Events Like This Matter
Ngobrolin Wastra is not just a space for learning technique, but also a meeting point between the younger generation and a cultural heritage they may have previously only heard about in passing. With its relaxed, free, and interactive format, the event succeeded in making history and the craft of batik feel closer and more relevant to participants of all ages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ngobrolin Wastra Vol. 4?
Ngobrolin Wastra Vol. 4 is a batik-making workshop combined with a cultural discussion, organized by the Banyuwangi Batik Center in collaboration with Bawastra Banyuwangi. The fourth edition explored the theme "Tracing Batik Motifs in the Puputan Bayu War."
When and where was the event held?
The event took place on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at the Banyuwangi Batik Center, beginning at 3:00 PM (WIB).
Was the event free of charge?
Yes. The workshop and discussion were open to the public and free for all participants.
Who led the workshop?
The session was led by Mr. Firmas from Godho Batik Banyuwangi, who guided participants through the batik-making process while sharing stories behind Banyuwangi's batik motifs.
What is the mencolet technique?
Mencolet is a batik coloring technique where dyes are applied directly to selected sections of the fabric using a small brush or colet tool. This method allows artisans to create detailed and controlled color variations.
What is the lorot (nglorod) technique?
Lorot, also known as nglorod, is the final stage of batik-making in which the fabric is immersed in boiling water to remove the wax, revealing the finished motif underneath.
How is the Puputan Bayu War connected to Banyuwangi batik?
The history of the Puputan Bayu War inspired several Banyuwangi batik motifs. Through these patterns, local artisans preserve stories of the Blambangan people's struggle and pass their cultural heritage to future generations.
Could participants bring home their batik?
Yes. Every participant completed their own batik piece and took it home as a personal keepsake from the workshop.
Ngobrolin Wastra Vol. 4 proves that learning history doesn't always have to happen through books — sometimes it's enough through a piece of cloth, a canting tool in hand, and a warm conversation with the artisans who keep this tradition alive.