The New Tradition of Batik Brunei

HAJI ZAINAL Abidin Hj Ibrahim laughs quietly, his hand swatting away my presumptuous question. “No, no. Batik was never a traditional art in Brunei,” he says. I knew that, of course, from his statements in the past about his art but I wanted to hear it for myself. It’s a strange admission, given that batik is fiercely contested as a traditional art in the region.

HAJI ZAINAL Abidin Hj Ibrahim

Indonesian batik has won that “contest” – listed by UNESCO in 2009 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanityowing to its proven origins centuries ago in Java, much to the chagrin of Malaysian batik proponents, some who still lay claim as owners of batik and deny any influence from Indonesian batik.

In any case, it’s unimportant to Hj ZAINAL Abidin Hj Ibrahim. He has previously gone on record to pinpoint Malaysian batik’s emergence to its introduction in the 1970s through formal educational institutions. Its ongoing development and emphasis on Malaysian-inspired designs for originality are also how Hj ZAINAL Abidin Hj Ibrahim hopes to grow Brunei’s own fledgling batik industry, an industry that invariably turns to the Bruneian entrepreneur for guidance.

He is, after all, the one that started it all here. The pioneering man has been making batik in Brunei for over a decade. The latter part of his time has been invested into a designing process that uses digital technology, enabling mass production and, therefore, giving more people access to his products.

However, it is still the traditional methods that appeal to him the most. And when students from Pehin Dato Seri Maharaja Secondary School (SMPDSM) came to visit Hj ZAINAL Abidin Hj Ibrahim’s production site in late August, it was the traditional methods that they learnt.

the Brunei student learn how to batik canting

“My preference is this traditional method. It is only after you master the traditional methods can you explore Batik technique. When I design, I mix both and that’s my edge, whether in terms of printing, technique or execution. It’s very rare to find masters of both,” he says.

Naturally, the only way for my trade to be profitable is to reach outside markets, and the response has been very encouraging. In the past three years, interest has just grown, through exhibition requests both local and international. But the nature of digital is mass production and there is some missing aspects from traditional batik. How does batik last for hundreds of years? From traditional wisdom that gives enduring strength,” adds Hj Zainal.

He tells about his latest research that draws on traditional strength: the use of natural dyes. “Even in Indonesia, it’s only starting. Here, I have some knowledge but no practical development yet. Tomorrow will be the first formal discussion about it.”

He refers to his participation in the “Batik Workshop with Natural Dyes” organised by the Indonesian embassy, where he and Indonesian batik researcher would discuss the use of natural dyes in batik design.

“It’s important for us as we can explore our untapped forests in Brunei. Natives of the rainforests have used the “nutrients” of plants to make colours that stay. You can’t replicate the colours from natural dyes. They’re so vivid... I’ve had people from Japan and Korea who love the effect I’ve tried so far.”

But after so long in the business, and with all the interest in his art from Bruneian youth, I ask if his work has truly inspired more Bruneians to pick it up.

“We’ve done many activities to support the efforts of the ministries... while a form of recreation for the youth, it can also show them batik as more than a hobby,” he says.

While I certainly found all the 30-odd students there to be very interested in the event, none of them seemed to express any desire to take up batik seriously.

Rozana Abdul Rahman is the sole “success” of Hj Zainal’s efforts. Rozana, 38, is his assistant, and spends most of the time by the side of his mentor, teaching others and helping Hj Zainal with all of the intricate processes of batik design.

“I’ve been working with Hj Zainal since 2006. My interest in art started from school... you can see my name in the papers, I was champion in many competitions when I was a kid! My hope is that, one day I can start up my own workshop and my own batik. I’ve actually submitted a proposal to an authority,” he reveals.

His seven years working beside Hj Zainal have built up his skill considerably, and he designs small patterns at his own home, using them for his family and even selling a few designs to friends. His involvement has also spilled over into the next generation.

“My first three children are all interested. My eldest (19-year old daughter) although working helps me a lot with my own batik at home.”

If Bruneian batik cannot be truly called a traditional art form, it can in its own right, be considered as a new tradition. And while 12 years of Bruneian batik hasn’t exactly resulted in an explosion of enthusiasts, perhaps the few consummate individuals are enough to carry this tradition into Brunei’s future.

Brunei Times
http://www.bt.com.bn/features/2013/11/07/new-tradition-brunei-batik

Local Products at ASEAN exhibition

AN ASEAN handicraft and food exhibition catered to local and foreign small and medium enterprises (SMEs) is currently being held at the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah complex, aimed at promoting wider business opportunities for local and foreign entrepreneurs.

Visitors to the exhibition will be in for a treat as local and foreign products are displayed by SMEs from Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Brunei, showcasing various handicrafts, textiles, souvenirs, food and confectionaries.

Brunei Local entrepreneur, Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim said the exhibition also encourages SMEs to be more productive in marketing their products and enables them to be more competitive in their profession.

"Handiwork such as songkok and other crafts produced by residents from Kg Ayer creates more employment, strengthening the economy whilst developing the handicraft industry," said Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim.

He also thanked the authorities for taking the time and consideration in providing SMEs with low cost rental space and enabling them to conduct their business at a location where most visitors will flock.

Owner of a handicraft business, Hasni Hj Hashim said that some entrepreneurs must learn to provide other forms of revenue for their country through their craft-making abilities. "Opportunities such as low rental rates at the complex provides business advantages for us (vendors) to give affordable prices on local products such as batik and kain jongsarat," she said.

"Our local SMEs have done a good job at producing local products, this comes to show that Bruneians are capable of producing quality products, " said Hjh Rohana Hj Rahim, who was a visitor to the exhibition yesterday.

She said that prices for products were affordable for the local public and tourists as she was informed by vendors that various items on display were given discounts during the special two-week expo.

Mohd Kamil Hj Latip, a youth who was informed of the exhibition by a friend, was captivated with the various products produced by Brunei's craftsmen. "Items such as songkok and kain jongsarat were amongst the local products I was amazed with. I am truly amazed by the quality, design and workmanship of Bruneian handicraft," he said.

A customer checking out the local handicraft on display, Hj Bungsu Hj Yahya said that such events like these will help further boost the local handicraft industry in promoting and giving exposure to local-made products through exhibitions and events.

"The batik and kain jongsarat are some of the products that were on sale, displaying one-of-a-kind designs that will attract locals as well as tourists to buy local-made products," said Hj Bungsu.

The senior citizen also hoped that more exhibitions will be organised by the authorities to help preserve the culture and heritage of Brunei, especially in the area of producing quality handicraft products by the locals.

The ASEAN food and handicraft exhibition began on July 25 and will end on August 5, organised by the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah complex in support of local and foreign SMEs.

Twelve booths showcasing the best of Southeast Asia's products will be open to the public from 4pm to 10pm at the atrium of the shopping complex. (KAY1)

The Brunei Times
http://www.bt.com.bn/home_news/2009/07/27/local_foreign_products_at_asean_exhibition