Bridging Tradition and Innovation: Exploring Design Thinking for Lasem Batik Tulis Motif Creation

^1,2 Graphic Design & New Media Program, Visual Communication Design Department, School of Computing and Creative Arts, Bina Nusantara University, Jakarta, Indonesia 11480
³ Hawthorn Campus, School of Design and Architecture, Swinburne University of Technology, Swinburne College, Australia
⁴ Visual Communication Design Department, Bina Nusantara Malang, Malang, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: nonjane@binus.edu

Abstract

This article addresses the declining prestige of Lasem handmade batik and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the decline of Lasem batik businesses in Rembang Regency. The author initiated a project to encourage the younger generation to participate in developing new, modern motifs that appeal to different market segments while preserving Indonesia’s cultural heritage. The project involved 26 design students who used the design thinking method to develop a collection of motifs in five categories: flora, fauna, Lasem daily life activities, historical stories, and Javanese and Chinese acculturation. This project resulted in the development of a new contemporary motif involving the young generation for Lasem batik, overcoming the decline in prestige, and contributing to preserving Indonesia’s cultural heritage. The research also aims to increase the knowledge of Lasem batik artisans on the potential of creating a tourism community based on local cultural assets. The success of this project will be measured through the commercialization of new contemporary Batik designs and the positive impact on Indonesia’s cultural heritage. Feedback from Batik industry stakeholders and Batik Lasem artisans will be used to measure and evaluate further research.