The venture, which is still in the research and development stage, was developed during a trip arranged by the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources two months ago to attend a fair in the Philippines.
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| Some of the batik products of Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim |
Prototype pieces have already been designed, incorporating Zainal’s batik by a manufacturing company in Cebu.
‘‘Design-wise, Brunei’s batik is one of the best in the industry. Malaysian VIP’s as well as Japanese companies have shown keen interest in the batik I produce,’’ Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim, told The Brunei Times.
However, due to the lack of facilities for mass production, the pioneer in Brunei’s batik scene said, he was unable to meet the criteria in order to sustain a profitable trade with global partners.
There are plans for Batik Desamas to invest in better infrastructure and facilities to meet demand once the deal with the Philippine firm goes through.
In the meantime, Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim, is teaching a few students on the art of batik making.
Batik Desamas is also using batik on furniture to entice the public to purchase its creations.
‘‘Batik can be commercialised very easily... Right now, we’re injecting batik into furniture pieces (such as) standing lamps and curtains,’’ said Zainal’s student, Amir Hj Sapar, who has helped his guru seek new applications for batik designs.
‘‘Brunei needs to create the industry for batik, but our batik needs to seek its own identity. Our designs must be distinct from that of the Javanese and Malaysian batiks,’’ according to Zainal.
At present, he said for commercial interests, his batiks are Malaysian-inspired, slightly infused with Bruneian designs such as the air muleh (traditional Brunei design) and Simpur flower.
By educating the public on the art of batik making, Zainal is hopeful Brunei will be able to create its own distinct motif. This, he said, will make local batik more attractive in the export market.
The Brunei Times
http://www.bt.com.bn/2007/12/29/brunei_batik_maker_plans_europe_foray
