Pandeglang’s Extraordinary Gem. Regarded as one of UNESCO’s Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2009, batik corresponds to illustrated clothes made with the handwriting and lighting of wax (Malam).

Some cities in Indonesia, such as Pekalongan, Yogyakarta, and Solo, are mainly known for their batik tradition. However, as one of Indonesia’s most exquisite heritage and pride, each region in Indonesia has its own batik characteristics. In this case, Pandeglang is no exception. In 2015, Pandeglang initiated the manufacture of Cikadu batik as one of their renowned commodities. It is concentrated explicitly in Kampung Cikadu, Tanjungjaya, Pandeglang, Banten, around eight kilometres from Tanjung Lesung Beach. Fostered by the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing of Indonesia, Kampung Cikadu provides numerous facilities to explore. You may unravel the batik and handcrafts gallery, discover the amphitheatre, enjoy your meal in the floating restaurant, and indulge yourself in the rustic atmosphere of Pandeglang. To witness the process of making Batik Cikadu, you may visit the Cikadu Batik Studio (Sanggar Batik Cikadu), also in Tanjungjaya, Pandeglang, Banten.

Established by Toto Rusmaya, a batik enthusiast and businessman, in 2015, Sanggar Batik Cikadu currently facilitates around 65 skilled and well-trained batik artisans originating from Kampung Cikadu and its vicinity. There are approximately 110 batik patterns promoted in Sanggar Batik Cikadu, namely 60 printed batik patterns and 50 hand-drawn batik patterns, consisting of Pandeglang’s natural resources, art, and culture. The most famous ones are the one-horned rhinoceros and gondang lesung, a piece of traditional equipment for rice processing since we can only find patterns in Pandeglang. In 2018, the community of the Generation of Pesona Indonesia (Generasi Pesona Indonesia) inaugurated the foundation of Cikadu Batik Market (Pasar Berbatik Cikadu) in Tanjungjaya, Pandeglang, Banten. This market offers not only batik crafts and ornaments which are feasts for the eyes, but also traditional snacks, such as Nasi Gadung, Keripik Gadung, Wajik, and many more. Therefore, you may revel in taking striking photographs with indigenous batik surroundings while savouring Banten’s cuisine. These facilities are accessible every weekend, 12.00 –22.00 (GMT+7) on Saturday, and 07.00 –12.00 (GMT+7) on Sunday.

What’s so special about Cikadu batik? The name “Cikadu” derives from a village in Pandeglang, Banten, namely Cikadu Village, which has developed in the past few years as one of the tourists’ favourite destinations in Banten. Although making Cikadu batik is akin to those of the other batik, it has become one of Banten’s characteristics due to its distinctive patterns. Each batik pattern has its own philosophical values in the eyes of the Pandeglang people. One of the most famous ones is the one-horned rhinoceros pattern. It reflects the spirit of the perseverance of the one-horned rhinoceros for the people of Pandeglang.

One-horned rhinoceros is one of the most endangered animals globally, with only around 70 rhinos left in Pandeglang. Therefore, the people of Pandeglang decided to perpetuate the existence of one-horned rhinoceros by making it into one of their batik patterns. They also see the one-horned rhinoceroses as humble and gentle creatures as they walk with their heads down. Even though one-horned rhinoceroses can walk through the rough terrain of the forests up until 10 kilometres per day. The people of Pandeglang intend that they could convey the spirit and values of one-horned rhinoceros to whoever owns the Cikadu batik.