Batik is more than an art form; it is the very heart of Indonesian cultural identity. Through its rich and magnificent patterns, it carries the spirit of ancestral wisdom, offering the world a beautiful testament to Indonesia’s vibrant traditions.

This June, our "Into the South" Workshop is delighted to host two passionate advocates of Indonesian Batik. Together, they will guide you on a journey from cultural appreciation to hands-on creation. Come and experience the gentle art of Batik, and use the traditional copper canting pen to trace your own unique story into fabric.

Date & Time: Saturday, June 13, 2026, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Sousou Corner｜No. 4, Lane 16, Taishun Street, Da’an District, Taipei City
Instructors: Saian Nur Fajri, Batik Artist & Kartika Dewi, Cultural Advocate
＊This workshop will be led by our guest instructors from Indonesia and will be conducted primarily in English.

Just like the literal meaning of "Batik" in Javanese—"to draw with dots"—traditional Indonesian Batik is an art of patience and precision. Craftspeople use a traditional copper canting pen to trace intricate patterns with molten hot wax onto the fabric. This wax acts as a resist dye layer, preventing specified areas from absorbing color during the immersion dyeing process, and ultimately bringing beautiful, complex designs to life.

Originating in central Java during the 17th century, the art of Batik was once a sacred privilege, with specific intricate patterns reserved exclusively for the royal court to define social hierarchy. As the craft later traveled to the bustling trade ports of Java’s northern coast, it embraced diverse cultural influences, blossoming into a rich tapestry of blended designs.

In 2009, UNESCO inscribed Indonesian Batik onto the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This recognition extends far beyond the beautifully patterned fabric itself; it honors the profound technical wisdom and oral traditions that have been tenderly passed down through Indonesian generations.

As Sousou Corner shared the stories behind vintage Batik fabrics and modern fashion, we kept wondering: how can we bring our community closer to this beautiful craft? This June, our "Into the South" Workshop is delighted to host two passionate Batik cultural advocates from Indonesia. Through a harmonious blend of storytelling and hands-on practice, you will experience firsthand the ancient traditions woven into every pattern.

The workshop will begin with Kartika Dewi, who will guide us through the historical journey of Indonesian Batik. She will decode the meticulous traditional processes, reveal the deep meanings hidden within the motifs, and share how Batik is worn in daily life and during festive celebrations.

Following the introduction, Batik artist Saian Nur Fajri will lead you through the delicate, step-by-step artistry of Batik using traditional tools. You will experience the entire journey of creation: from sketching your initial design and applying hot wax with a copper canting pen (Nyanting), to painting specific sections for resist-dyeing (Nyolet), immersing the fabric in dye baths (Nyelup), and finally, boiling away the wax (Nglorod) to reveal your own unique Batik pattern.

Drawing from their professional expertise, both instructors will also share insider tips on mastering the canting pen and discerning the quality grades of Batik fabrics, helping you cultivate a true eye for the appreciation of this timeless craft.

｜Date & Location
June 13 (Sat), 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Sousou Corner Flagship Store｜No. 4, Lane 16, Taishun Street, Da’an District, Taipei City
This workshop will be led by our guest instructors from Indonesia and will be conducted primarily in English.

｜Workshop Fee
Regular price: NT$1600 per person
Early bird (before Friday, July 25): NT$1380 per person / NT$2600 for two
Limited to 20 participants

｜Special Treats

Lemper (Banana Leaf-Wrapped Sticky Rice with Shredded Chicken)

A beloved Indonesian savory classic. Fragrant sticky rice, gently steamed with lemongrass and rich coconut milk, is filled with savory shredded chicken and tenderly wrapped in fresh banana leaves into an elegant cylinder.

Klepon (Pandan Coco Balls)

A celebrated Nyonya treat cherished across Indonesia and Malaysia. These delicate sticky rice balls are infused with fresh pandan juice, filled with a melt-in-your-mouth palm sugar center, and coated in freshly grated coconut. Their round shape beautifully symbolizes completeness, harmony, and togetherness.

｜Notes

• We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Indonesian Economic and Trade Office to Taipei (KDEI) for their generous support in providing Indonesian translation during the event, as we work together to share and promote the beauty of Indonesian culture.

• The hands-on session will take approximately 2 hours; however, extra time may be provided if needed to fully enjoy and complete your creation.