Skip to main content

Batik Mangrove, Qorry’s Journey in Conservation & Heritage

Image
I feel like when I wear batik, I look more elegant and even more handsome. Haha!

I have to admit, there was a time when I considered batik to be old-fashioned. The designs didn't appeal to me, and I saw it as something my parents or grandparents would wear on formal occasions. But everything changed for me on October 2, 2009, when UNESCO officially recognized batik as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Suddenly, batik wasn’t just a piece of cloth anymore; it was a symbol of identity, culture, and pride for the Indonesian people.

Designers started experimenting with patterns, and batik garments became more fashionable. I found myself buying batik shirts to support our cultural heritage, and my love for batik grew deeper as I discovered the beautiful artistry behind it.

Batik, with its intricate techniques, symbols, and cultural significance, has been a part of Indonesia's identity for centuries. It wasn’t long before batik from various regions, including my hometown of Situbondo, began emerging with their own unique motifs.

The resurgence of batik sparked innovation, and the diversity in patterns grew, which only intensified my passion for it. Eventually, I even started replacing my trousers with batik cloths for a more comfortable and eye-catching look. It was a bit awkward at first—people stared, and some even commented—but soon I became used to it. Now, even when I travel, I confidently wear my batik cloth, embracing the stares with pride.

Among the many batik enthusiasts I’ve encountered, one stands out to me: Qorry Oktaviani, a remarkable woman who has found a way to combine cultural heritage with environmental conservation. Her work in reviving mangroves through batik deeply resonates with my own environmental concerns. Mangroves, often overlooked for their ecological benefits, became the foundation for her beautiful creation—batik mangrove.

Crafting Batik with Purpose

The excitement of the Batik Group from Dusun Pangkal Babu, Tungkal Satu, Tanjung Jabung Barat, as they create batik together. (Photo credit: Qorry Oktaviani)

Let me share with you the inspiring journey of Qorry Oktaviani, a woman who turned her love for the environment into something extraordinary. Born on October 3, 1994, Qorry's passion for nature took root during her studies in biology at Andalas University. It was there, during a field study, that she first encountered the vast mangrove forests along the coasts of Pangkal Babu, Tungkal Ilir, in Jambi. These mangroves were just seen as ordinary parts of the landscape—used for fish ponds, plantations, or building materials—but Qorry saw them as much more.

Her deeper understanding of mangroves came when she started working with WARSI, an environmental NGO. She quickly realized that mangroves were not only crucial to protecting the coastline from erosion but also played a vital role in reducing carbon emissions and supporting marine ecosystems. However, the local community didn’t see their true value. Many of them were unaware of the rich ecological benefits these plants offered, and they exploited the mangroves without considering the long-term environmental consequences.

That’s where Qorry stepped in. Her mission wasn’t just about conservation—it was about educating the community on the sustainable use of mangroves. She believed that these resources could provide both ecological and economic benefits if managed correctly. One of her first initiatives was empowering the women in her community to transform local products, such as shrimp, into marketable goods like crackers. This small step created a ripple effect, boosting the village economy and sparking new ideas for further sustainable development.

It was during this time that the concept of Batik Mangrove was born. Qorry realized that the natural dyes found in mangrove plants could be used to create beautiful, eco-friendly batik. This not only preserved the tradition of batik-making but also provided an additional income stream for the local community—all while promoting environmental sustainability.

Blending Nature and Art

The photo illustrates the process of drying batik fabric after it has been dyed with natural dyes derived from mangrove plants. (Image credit: detik.com)

It wasn’t an instant revelation, but over time, Qorry saw the hidden potential in the mangroves, particularly in their bark and fruit. From this, the concept of "Batik Mangrove" was born, and it marked the beginning of a beautiful transformation. Alongside a group of ten women from the village, she founded the Batik Mangrove collective in 2020. The group worked tirelessly to create natural dyes from the mangroves, and soon enough, the unique colors began to emerge from the natural world onto the batik fabric.

As I walked along the serene coastal landscape, I found myself captivated by the rich biodiversity of mangrove plants that line the shore. Each tree not only plays a vital role in protecting our coastline but also offers a stunning palette of colors that nature has generously provided.

Take Rhizophora mucronata, commonly known as Bakau. This majestic tree stands tall, its bark possessing a deep, rich brown hue that serves as a natural dye. It reminds me of the warm earth after a rainstorm, grounding and comforting. I could imagine how artisans transform this vibrant color into stunning fabrics, bringing a piece of nature’s beauty into our everyday lives.

Then there’s the Avicennia marina, or Api-api. Its leaves and bark create earthy tones of gray and greenish-brown, reminiscent of weathered stones or the gentle waves lapping at the shore. This color palette evokes a sense of calm and connection to the land, a perfect choice for those seeking to incorporate the essence of the coast into their creations.


These are the parts of the Avicennia marina plant. (I took a screenshot of this image from forestryinformation.wordpress.com, and the picture is sourced from the book "Panduan Lapangan Jenis-jenis Tumbuhan Restorasi" by the Department of Forestry, Jica, and Lipi, published in 2014)

The Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, known as Tancang, introduces a lovely reddish-brown shade through its bark and roots. This color is bold yet warm, reminiscent of sunsets casting their glow across the horizon. It’s a hue that sparks creativity, inspiring designs that capture the vibrancy of life along the coast.

Lastly, I can’t overlook the beauty of Sonneratia alba, or Perepat. The roots and bark of this tree yield softer green and light brown tones, delicate and soothing, much like the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze. This tranquil color can inspire artworks that evoke feelings of peace and harmony with nature.

Batik Mangrove Takes Root

Let me continue the story of Qorry Oktaviani and her remarkable impact on her community through Batik Mangrove. What started as a conservation initiative quickly evolved into something much bigger—a powerful tool for economic empowerment, especially for the women in the village. Before Batik Mangrove, many of these women struggled with unstable incomes, but thanks to the collective, they now have a sustainable means to support their families. Through their craft, they’ve not only preserved their environment but also revitalized their local economy.

As demand for Batik Mangrove grew, so did the recognition. The collective has been celebrated at national events, showcasing how their work intertwines environmental conservation with the rich tradition of batik-making. The pieces they produce—about 35 each month—are truly labors of love. Each one, particularly the hand-drawn batik, takes weeks of careful attention to detail. The prices reflect this dedication, with hand-drawn pieces selling for up to Rp350,000 and stamped batik around Rp180,000.

What makes these batik pieces truly special is that they tell a story. The motifs are inspired by the natural world surrounding them, featuring elements like the birds and trees from the mangrove forests. Every design carries cultural significance, connecting the wearer to the rich biodiversity of the mangroves and the traditions of the village. Through Batik Mangrove, Qorry has woven a legacy that bridges art, culture, and environmental stewardship.

Batik as a Symbol of Conservation

Qorry Oktaviani’s vision reaches far beyond the fabric of batik. For her, Batik Mangrove is more than just an art form—it’s a powerful tool for promoting the cultural and ecological heritage of Pangkal Babu. Each batik piece embodies the community’s pride while also serving as a reminder of the vital importance of preserving the mangrove forests. Over time, Batik Mangrove has evolved into a key symbol of the region, drawing tourists and becoming a sought-after souvenir for visitors to the conservation areas.

Her unwavering dedication to both conservation and culture was recognized on a national scale in 2023, when she was honored with the prestigious SATU Indonesia Award by Astra. This award celebrates individuals making significant contributions to their communities, and Qorry’s work stands as a beacon of inspiration.

Her efforts have ignited a new awareness across Indonesia, demonstrating the deep connection between cultural heritage and environmental conservation. Through Batik Mangrove, Qorry has shown how art can be a force for sustainable change, encouraging others to reflect on how they can make an impact in their own communities.

The Impact of Batik Mangrove: Preserving Culture, Empowering Communities

Discover the Mangrove Tourism Village in Pangkal Babu, where Qorry Oktaviani's efforts in conservation and community empowerment bring nature and culture together.

Qorry Oktaviani has proven that conservation and progress can go hand in hand. By transforming mangroves into a sustainable resource, she has not only safeguarded the environment but also preserved her community’s cultural identity. The Batik Mangrove initiative continues to flourish, with innovative designs emerging as they gain access to better tools and resources. Despite this growth, their mission remains rooted in protecting the environment and uplifting the community through artistic expression.

Batik Mangrove is far more than a mere fashion statement—it symbolizes the delicate balance between progress and preservation. For me, and countless others, it represents the harmony that arises when we combine our love for cultural heritage with a deep sense of responsibility toward the planet. As more people become passionate about preserving batik, my appreciation for it continues to grow, especially knowing this effort aligns with environmental conservation. A prosperous community naturally seeks to protect its environment, and as more mangrove trees are planted, the coastal ecosystem thrives, enriching the landscape.

Through batik, Qorry has woven a narrative of resilience, hope, and sustainable living. Each piece of Batik Mangrove captures the essence of nature, intertwining tradition and conservation, and stands as a testament to the beauty of what we can achieve when we prioritize both heritage and the environment.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Paling banyak dibaca

Mengilhami Dinding Sel Supermini

Pohon mangga ( Mangifera indica ) setinggi 4 m berdiri kokoh di halaman kantor saya. Daunnya rimbun membentuk payung hidup. Saat berdiri di bawah naungannya, angin sejuk dapat saya rasakan. Tentu saja, oksigen sebagai hasil metabolisme tanaman anggota family Anacardiaceae itu membersihkan karbondioksioda di udara dan digantikan oleh unsur yang bersifat oksidator. Pantas jika setiap orang yang ternaungi, tak hanya terlindung dari terik matahari, tetapi juga merasa segar. Pohon mangga (kredit: irwantoshut.net )        Tanaman itu sangat kokoh dan konsisten berdiri bertahun-tahun bahkan kian tinggi. Meski tidak memiliki rangka seperti hewan dan manusia, tanaman (tak hanya mangga) memiliki rangka-rangka dalam berukuran mikroskopis. Rangka-rangka itu dapat disebut dinding sel. Sebenarnya tidak tepat jika saya mengatakan bahwa dinding sel adalah rangka dalam (endoskeleton) tanaman, tetapi fungsinya mirip dengan sistem rangka pada tubuh hewan. Itu terbukti pada fungsinya yang memberi be
1 comment
Read more

Jamur blotong Nama Ilmiahnya Ternyata Coprinus sp.

Saya menduga jamur yang selama ini saya beri nama jamur blotong nama ilmiahnya Coprinus sp. Setiap usai musim giling, biasanya musim hujan, saya dan tetangga berburu jamur ini di tumpukan limbah blotong di dekat Pabrik Gula Wringin Anom, Situbondo. Jamur Coprinus sp . tumbuh di blotong Asli, kalau sudah tua, payungnya akan berwarna hitam seperti tinta dan meluruh sedikit demi sedikit Sudah sekian lama mencari tahu, berkat tulisan saya sendiri akhirnya saya tahu namanya, meski belum sampai ke tahap spesies . Jamur yang bisa dimakan ini tergolong dalam ordo dari Agaricales dan masuk dalam keluarga Psathyrellaceae. Selain itu, jamur ini juga suka disebut common ink cap atau inky cap (kalau benar nama ilmiahnya Coprinus atramentarius ) atau Coprinus sterquilinus (midden inkcap ) . Disebut begitu karena payungnya saat tua akan berwarna hitam dan mencair seperti tinta. Nama yang saya kemukakan juga berupa dugaan kuat, bukan berarti benar, tapi saya yakin kalau nama genusnya Copr
5 comments
Read more

Menggali Rasa dan Inovasi Kopi Lokal di Setiap Seruput

Dibuat menggunakan Canva Setiap seruput kopi menyimpan cerita yang tak terduga, mulai dari ladang petani hingga ke cangkir kita. Apa jadinya jika kita bisa merasakan perjalanan rasa itu dengan lebih mendalam, dari setiap proses pengolahan biji hingga teknik penyeduhan yang memikat? Sebuah Warisan yang Harus Dilestarikan Gambar pribadi (@uwansart) Indonesia memang istimewa, terutama dalam hal kopi. Di sini, dari Sabang sampai Merauke, kita punya beragam jenis kopi dengan cita rasa yang kaya dan unik. Setiap daerah, dari Aceh sampai Papua, menawarkan sensasi kopi yang berbeda-beda, masing-masing menyimpan cerita dan karakteristik yang khas. Keberagaman inilah yang membuat kopi Indonesia begitu istimewa dan kian diakui dunia internasional. Saat ini, Indonesia bahkan tercatat sebagai penghasil kopi terbesar ke-4 di dunia—sebuah pencapaian yang tentunya patut dibanggakan. Dalam acara Eco Blogger Squad yang berlangsung dengan penuh semangat, meskipun aku hanya menyaksikan secara online melal
1 comment
Read more

Golda Coffee dan Kopi ABC Botol, Kopi Kekinian, Kopi Murah Cuma 3000an

Kamu suka kopi hitam pekat, kopi susu, kopi kekinian, atau yang penting kopi enak di kedai kopi? Mungkin kita sering sekali nongkrong bersama teman di kedai kopi mencoba berbagai aneka ragam kopi, mahal pun tak masalah, tapi yang jadi persoalan jika sedang miskin, apakah akan tetap nongkrong? Pilihannya ya minuman murah, misalnya kopi murah dan kopi enak yang cuma 3000an ini.   Aku, Uwan Urwan, memang bukan penikmat kopi banget, tapi suka minum kopi, kadang sengaja mampir ke kedai kopi punya teman, paling sering membeli kopi Golda Coffee dan/atau Kopi ABC Botol, yang harganya hanya 3000an. Aku akan mencoba mereview empat rasa dari dua merek yang kusebut sebelumnya. Golda Coffee kutemukan di minimarket punya dua rasa, yaitu Golda Coffee Dolce Latte dan Golda Coffee Cappucino. Sementara Kopi ABC botol juga kutemukan dua rasa, chocho malt coffee dan kopi susu.   Keempat rasa kopi kekinian kemasan itu aku pikir sama karena biasanya hanya membeli, disimpan di kulkas, dan langsung ku
3 comments
Read more

Bunga Telang Ungu (Clitoria ternatea) Jadi Alternatif Pengganti Indikator PP Sintetis

Makin ke sini, ketenaran bunga telang (Clitoria ternatea L.) kian meluas. Banyak riset terbit di internet, juga tak ketinggalan pecinta herbal dan tanaman obat ikut berkontribusi memperluas infromasi itu.  Bunga telang ungu, tanaman yang juga dikenal dengan nama butterfly pea itu termasuk endemik karena berasal dari Ternate, Maluku, Indonesia. Meski begitu, banyak sumber juga mengatakan bahwa bunga telang berasal dari Afrika, India, Amerika Selatan, dan Asia tropis. Banyak info simpang siur karena sumber-sumber yang aku baca pun berasal dari riset-riset orang. Nanti jika ada waktu lebih aku akan melakukan riset lebih dalam mengenai asal usulnya. Antosianin bunga telang merupakan penangkal radikal bebas Kredit : researchgate.net Bunga telang kaya akan antosianin. Antosianin adalah golongan senyawa kimia organik berupa pigmen yang larut dalam air, menghasilkan warna oranye, merah, ungu, biru, sampai hitam. Tak hanya pada bunga Clitoria ternatea, antosianin juga ada di banyak buah dan say
1 comment
Read more

Energi Alternatif: Antara Ketergantungan Listrik dan Kerusakan Lingkungan

Dalam dunia yang semakin modern ini, melalui sorotan data Badan Pusat Statistik (BPS) tahun 2022, aku mengembara melihat perubahan perilaku rumah tangga secara menyeluruh di Indonesia. Televisi menjadi kawan setia dengan kehadiran mencapai 97,36%, diikuti oleh kulkas, mesin cuci, dan kipas angin yang melibas sekitar 96,72%, 86,62%, dan 96,13% dari rumah tangga. Di sisi lain, perabotan modern seperti kompor listrik dan setrika listrik menyentuh kehidupan 82,11% dan 93,22% rumah tangga. Ketergantungan Indonesia pada Listrik dan Dampak Negatif Lingkungan pada Perubahan Iklim Tak hanya itu, alat elektronik memainkan peran sentral dalam kehidupan sehari-hari. Laptop menjadi penguasa dengan persentase 67,45%, sementara handphone mendominasi dengan keterpaparan mencapai 99,13%. Meski komputer, tablet, kamera digital, dan perangkat lain memiliki penetrasi yang beragam, kesimpulannya tetap jelas: masyarakat Indonesia telah menggenggam era listrik dengan tangan terbuka. Persentase tinggi ini men
Post a Comment
Read more

Bagaimana menu isi piringku yang benar?

Sering mendengar frase Isi Piringku? Hem, sebagian orang pasti tahu karena kampanye yang dimulai dari Kementerian Kesehatan ini sudah digaungkan di mana-mana, mulai dari media sosial, workshop-workshop kesehatan di daerah-daerah, dan sosialisasi ke ibu-ibu begitu ke Posyandu.  Slogan Isi Piringku menggantikan 4 Sehat 5 Sempurna Isi Piringku adalah acuan sajian sekali makan. Kampanye ini sudah diramaikan sejak tahun 2019 menggantikan kampanye 4 sehat 5 sempurna. Empat sehat lima sempurna terngiang-ngiang sekali sejak kecil. Terdiri dari nasi, lauk-pauk, sayur-mayur, buah-buahan, dan susu adalah kombinasi sehat yang gizinya dibutuhkan tubuh, sebab mengandung karbohidrat, protein, vitamin, dan mineral, susu adalah penyempurnanya. Kenapa harus berganti slogan?  Slogan 4 Sehat 5 Sempurna yang aku tangkap maknanya, dalam setiap makan harus ada empat komposisi dan susu. Mengenai jumlahnya, aku bisa ambil nasi lebih banyak dengan sedikit sayur atau sebaliknya, atau sebebas-bebasnya kita saja.
Post a Comment
Read more

Alun-alun Situbondo Dulu dan Sekarang

Alun-alun ibarat pusat sebuah kota, semua orang bisa berkumpul di tempat itu untuk berbagai kegiatan, sebagai ruang publik, ruang sosial, dan ruang budaya. Alun-alun sudah ada sejak zaman Kerajaan Majapahit. Umumnya alun-alun dikelilingi oleh masjid, pendopo, penjara, dan area perkantoran dan dibatasi oleh jalan. Dulunya area ini dipagari Begitu pun Alun-alun Situbondo, batas selatan adalah pendopo, batas barat adalah Masjid Agung Al-Abror, batas timur adalah penjara, dan area perkantoran ada di bagian utara. Dulu, ada pohon beringin besar di tengah-tengah alun-alun Situbondo. Aku tidak ingat betul seberapa besar tapi yang aku tahu dulu ada di tengah-tengah. Masjid Al-Abror juga sudah jauh lebih bagus sekarang Alun-alun Situbondo pernah punya pohon beringin besar Gerakan protes pada akhir masa kepemimpinan Presiden Abdurrahman Wahid, tahun 2001, memicu gerakan besar yang menumbangkan sekitar seratus pohon, termasuk pohon beringin di alun-alun karena dianggap sebagai simbol partai Golka
1 comment
Read more

A Call to Embrace Eco-Friendly Fashion

Kredit: Instagram @nurmanfarieka On a bright morning, as I wandered in search of eco-friendly local leather shoes, I stumbled upon a trail of hope—leading to an extraordinary story of Hirka, a brand of chicken foot leather shoes crafted by Nurman Farieka Ramdhany in Bandung. This journey became my connection to a future where fashion and sustainability walk hand in hand. The Hidden Treasure: Chicken Foot Leather as a Sustainable Fashion Material In today's world, luxury items are often flaunted as a must-have for the elite. Yet, many may not realize that a significant portion of these products comes from the wild, using animal skins that are not sourced through ethical breeding but through capture and exploitation. This raises the question: How can we, as part of a global community, rethink the way we approach fashion? In 2015, Nurman Farieka Ramdhany embarked on an inspiring journey of environmental care and innovation. Guided by his father, a leather research expert with over two
Post a Comment
Read more