In a bid to popularize batik internationally, Batik Keris, Indonesia’s Surakarta-based batik producer, has associated with The Walt Disney Company for creating colourful batik garments for kids portraying well-known Disney characters.
Djongko Rahardjo, a local fashion designer, who also heads the Association of Surakarta Fashion Designers, said children are used to see and don batik garments, but when these clothes feature their favourite cartoon characters, it would increase their liking for batik.
Keeping in mind that children love bright colours, Batik Keris preferred using printed batik rather than hand drawn one for featuring the Disney collection. Lina Handianto, Chief Commissary of the company explained that the colours would not have come out perfectly if they would have adopted a hand drawing process.
Stating that the partnership between Batik Keris and the Walt Disney Company mainly focuses on introducing batik to children, Heri Santoso of the merchandising division at Batik Keris said they aim to earn better recognition for batik in international markets.
The Disney collection featuring Mickey and Friends is available in shirts, T-shirts and dresses.