Many participants arriving at Sekar Jagad's batik workshop are curious about one thing: who exactly is the person behind the canting guiding them through the session? The answer is Bu Umi Sukasih, owner of Seblang Batik Tulis, an artisan carrying forward a batik-making tradition passed down since her great-grandmother's era.
This article introduces Bu Umi as the lead instructor of Sekar Jagad's batik workshop, along with the role played by the Pusat Batik Banyuwangi team, who assist throughout the session, especially for foreign participants.
Meet Bu Umi Sukasih
Bu Umi grew up in an environment closely tied to the world of batik, allowing her skills to develop naturally and meaningfully from a young age. She carries forward the tradition of Seblang Batik Tulis, a batik brand focused on authentic hand-drawn batik (batik tulis) using traditional techniques passed down through generations — from the use of canting and wax to every motif worked entirely by hand.
Inspired by Banyuwangi's art and culture, Bu Umi is committed to preserving hand-drawn batik while introducing innovation that still respects traditional principles. To her, batik isn't just a product — it's a cultural identity and source of pride, a value she consistently shares with workshop participants through every canting stroke she teaches.
The Gajah Oling Motif as a Signature Design
One motif that defines Seblang Batik Tulis is Gajah Oling, a motif symbolizing the importance of always remembering the greatness of God Almighty. In every workshop session, Bu Umi doesn't just teach the basic canting technique — she also shares the philosophy behind whatever motif a participant chooses, giving them a deeper understanding beyond mere technical skill.
Because of her focus on authentic hand-drawn batik with limited production of around 70 pieces of cloth per month, every piece produced by Seblang Batik Tulis is exclusive and rich in meaning — an approach also reflected in how Bu Umi guides workshop participants, making sure each one truly understands the process rather than simply rushing to produce a finished piece of fabric.
The Role of the Pusat Batik Banyuwangi Team as Translators
Since the majority of participants joining Sekar Jagad's batik workshop are foreign guests (international tourists), communication becomes an important bridge to build. This is where the Pusat Batik Banyuwangi team comes in — accompanying the workshop as translators, ensuring every instruction from Bu Umi is clearly conveyed to participants who may not understand Indonesian.
This collaboration keeps the workshop session feeling personal and meaningful despite the language barrier, since the philosophy and story behind each motif can still be fully conveyed to participants, without losing its original meaning in translation.
Why This Instructor's Presence Matters to the Workshop Experience
Learning batik directly from an artisan who inherited this tradition across generations offers a different experience compared to simply following a generic tutorial. Bu Umi doesn't just teach the correct way to hold a canting — she also shares cultural context and personal values she believes form part of Banyuwangi's identity.
For foreign participants especially, the combination of Bu Umi's authentic expertise and the translation support from the Pusat Batik Banyuwangi team creates a more meaningful cross-cultural experience — not just trying a new craft, but understanding the human story behind it.
Where to Find Bu Umi's Work
For those interested in owning an original piece from Seblang Batik Tulis outside of the workshop session, Bu Umi's hand-drawn batik collection can be viewed and ordered directly at Pusat Batik dan Kreatif Hub Banyuwangi, located at Jl. Jendral Ahmad Yani No.263, Tukang Kayu, Banyuwangi, open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who leads the batik workshop at Sekar Jagad?
The batik workshop at Sekar Jagad is led by Bu Umi Sukasih, the owner of Seblang Batik Tulis and an experienced hand-drawn batik artisan from Banyuwangi.
What is Seblang Batik Tulis?
Seblang Batik Tulis is Bu Umi Sukasih's batik brand, specializing in authentic hand-drawn batik created entirely by hand using traditional canting and hot wax techniques.
How long has Bu Umi been making batik?
Bu Umi grew up in a family of batik artisans and inherited her skills through a tradition that dates back to her great-grandmother's generation.
What is Seblang Batik Tulis' signature motif?
Its signature design is the Gajah Oling motif, a traditional Banyuwangi batik pattern symbolizing the importance of remembering the greatness of God.
Why does the workshop provide translators?
Since many participants are international visitors, the Pusat Batik Banyuwangi team provides translation support to ensure every explanation and instruction is clearly understood.
Who acts as the translator during the workshop?
The Pusat Batik Banyuwangi team assists participants throughout the workshop by translating Bu Umi's instructions and cultural explanations.
Does the workshop only teach batik techniques?
No. Besides learning how to use a canting, participants also discover the philosophy and cultural meaning behind the batik motifs they create.
What is Seblang Batik Tulis' monthly production capacity?
Seblang Batik Tulis produces approximately 70 pieces of hand-drawn batik each month, making every piece exclusive and carefully handcrafted.
Where is Seblang Batik Tulis located?
Bu Umi's batik collection can be found at Pusat Batik dan Kreatif Hub Banyuwangi, located on Jl. Jenderal Ahmad Yani No.263, Tukang Kayu, Banyuwangi.
Can I purchase Bu Umi's batik without joining the workshop?
Yes. Visitors are welcome to browse and purchase Bu Umi's hand-drawn batik collection directly at Pusat Batik dan Kreatif Hub Banyuwangi.
Why is learning from an experienced artisan more meaningful?
Beyond teaching technique, Bu Umi shares the history, philosophy, and cultural values behind Banyuwangi batik, making the experience far richer than a standard craft class.
Can international visitors join the workshop without speaking Indonesian?
Yes. With translation assistance from the Pusat Batik Banyuwangi team, international participants can comfortably follow every step of the workshop and understand the stories behind each batik motif.
Behind every batik workshop session at Sekar Jagad is Bu Umi Sukasih's careful, guiding hand, along with the Pusat Batik Banyuwangi team ensuring the story and philosophy behind each motif still comes through across language barriers. This combination of authentic expertise and warm support is what makes the batik-making experience at Sekar Jagad feel personal, not just an ordinary tourist activity. Want to know what it's actually like to join this workshop firsthand? Read Batik Workshop Banyuwangi: Learn to Make Batik by Hand, or learn more about the motif Bu Umi teaches in The Philosophy of the Gajah Oling Motif: The Iconic Symbol of Banyuwangi Batik.