Discover Batik Tourism Villages Giriloyo and Krebet: ADWI Champions Preserving Tradition

Every October 2, Indonesia celebrates National Batik Day as a symbol of pride and respect for batik, which has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This commemoration is not only about wearing batik, but also about reflecting on the values, philosophy, and national identity woven into every piece of fabric.

Across the country, batik is more than just a cultural heritage—it has become a source of economic strength and a tourism attraction. This is evident in the presence of batik tourism villages, where visitors can learn the art of batik-making firsthand, explore the stories behind traditional motifs, and bring home unique works of art crafted by local artisans.

Several batik tourism villages in Indonesia have achieved remarkable recognition through the Anugerah Desa Wisata Indonesia (ADWI), proving that batik is not only a cultural heritage but also a driver of creative economy and tourism. Among them is Kampung Batik Giriloyo in Wukirsari Village, which won 1st place in ADWI 2023 for its strong preservation of traditional hand-drawn batik passed down through generations. In this village, more than 600 artisans remain dedicated to crafting batik with wax on cloth, carefully preserving classic motifs such as Sido Asih, Wahyu Tumurun, and Sekar Jagad. Visitors are invited to experience batik-making directly with the artisans while learning the deep philosophies embedded in each pattern.

Not far from Giriloyo lies Krebet Tourism Village, renowned for its unique wooden batik. This village earned a spot in the Top 50 of ADWI 2024 and even won 1st place in the Institutional and Human Resources category. Krebet demonstrates that batik is not limited to fabric; it can also be beautifully crafted on wood, transformed into masks, puppets, and creative souvenirs that attract visitors.

The presence of batik tourism villages like Giriloyo and Krebet highlights that batik is more than just cultural heritage—it is also a means of community empowerment. Batik artisans gain opportunities to improve their livelihoods, while visitors enjoy meaningful experiences: learning batik-making directly from local masters, understanding the philosophies behind traditional motifs, and feeling the warmth of interaction with the community.

The momentum of National Batik Day 2025 is the perfect time to once again highlight the role of batik tourism villages in preserving tradition while driving sustainable tourism. Through these villages, batik is not only worn, but also experienced, studied, and passed down from generation to generation.