The role of batik and lurik in forming local identity in klaten regency based on public perception

Abstract

Place identity is associated with the common ways of recognizing and remembering certain places different from others by the public. Batik and lurik culture in Klaten could serve as a local identity because of its historic tradition and is socially formed by society. An existing problem is that the development of batik and lurik in Klaten is more oriented to economic aspects and not for preserving cultural aspects. This study aims to analyze the role of batik and lurik in forming a local identity in Klaten Regency based on community perceptions. The study used mixed methods including the qualitative approach to understand the history and culture of batik and lurik, as well as to understand place branding efforts which support forming local identity, and the quantitative approach which attempts to understand community perceptions associated with batik and lurik in forming local identity. The result shows that lurik is more influential in forming local identity in Klaten Regency compared with batik. The result also shows that there has been an interaction between place and community, i.e. the community recognizes lurik from Klaten, has visited the location of local lurik production, and buys and wears local lurik products from Klaten. Variables that determined the forming of local identity are physical urban elements associated with lurik, shown by the accessibility and concentration of lurik showrooms near the city center, and strong attachment to the local people to lurik products shown by their pride in wearing local lurik products.