Besurek Rafflesia

Bengkulu Province - Indonesia

Meanings:

The term “Besurek” refers to a textile that contains letters or inscriptions. Besurek batik art in Bengkulu was introduced by batik merchants and artists from Demak. This can be traced from the history of the Sultanate of Demak, which was the first and largest Islamic Kingdom in Java Island (1475-1548). The pattern reveals the sacredness of Kaganga letters or Bengkulu original letters, combined with Arabic calligraphy. This motif also illustrates the beauty of the Rafflesia Arnoldii flower, the rare flower species that grows in Bengkulu area.

Note:  All contents and batik images are protected by Indonesian cultural property law. This documentation is intended for educational purposes and to facilitate the preservation of Batik UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage 2009. Any use of published materials is allowed only with reference to this website as the original source of publication. 

How to preserve Batik

Philosophical Meanings of Batik

Learn and identify the meaning of the motifs from each region. Are you searching for a meaningful gift for your loved ones? Surprise them with a merry little Batik!

Authentic Batik

Buy the authentic handwritten Batik textiles to add to your prestigious collection. Such support will enhance the well-being of Batik artisans and preserve the living heritage.

Batik Community

If you want to meet the Batik artisans, we encourage you to visit and support Batik workshops in Indonesia. You may discover the local tourism that suits your preference!

UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009

Batik Production Process in Bengkulu

Batik production can take 1 month up to 2 years of working time depending on the purposes of the textile creation and the colour complexity. The Batik handwriting textile is generally made with 8 design steps, ranging from wax patterning to colouring process. The artists use Canting, as a tool to put hot melted wax on the cloth. 

Batik Regions 

Overview of Bengkulu Province

Bengkulu is also famous for nature and its historical treasures. There are tropical rain forests where we can find a variety of rare plant species, such as the famous Rafflesia Arnoldi Flowers, Wetland Orchid Vanda Hookeriana, Medang, Meranti, Ratan, and Resin wood.

Batik Villages in Bengkulu Province

Batik villages are the region where the Batik producers mostly reside and open their  Batik workshops, as well as display their Batik products. You could buy the Batik textiles from the artisans and participate in the making process of Batik on the site.

Batik Motifs in Bengkulu

Bengkulu

Tourism

At Taqwa Grand Mosque

Bengkulu also offers spiritual tourism with historical nuances and

Tabut Festival

Bengkulu regional government holds annual the Tabut Festival that takes place in

Fort Marlborough

Fort Marlborough in Bengkulu was once built by the British colonial era during

Discover

Indonesian

Tourism

Balanga Museum

Originally thought of as a regional museum, Balanga Museum collects a lot of objects which are

Baliem Valley

Apart from the breathtaking view you can enjoy here, Baliem Valley is

Samosir Island – Toba Lake 

This place is an ancient village that exudes a unique culture of the Batak ethnic group

Besakih Temple

Besakih Temple is regarded as Bali’s ‘Mother temple’ – a grand

Prambanan Temple

One of the most important Hindu complex of temples built in 850 AD

Pinawetengan Museum

In Pinawetengan Museum, you can see various collections, such as

Tabut Festival

Bengkulu regional government holds annual the Tabut Festival that takes place in

Kobori Cave

According to history, the marvelous Megalithic Kobori Cave has existed since 4000 B.C.

Imogiri Royal Cemetery

You may think that cemeteries are not the perfect spot to visit if you are on vacation?

Floating Batak House

The boat tours that adopt the concept of floating Batak house. With this boat,