Discover the Soul of Nusantara through Batik!

On Wednesday, August 6, 2025, the Peneleh Research Institute hosted a successful international research mentoring and collaboration event with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). The event, themed “Cultural Research: Batik Arts and Making,” brought together graduate and postgraduate students from USM as well as Indonesian academics (Universitas Brawijaya, Universitas Trunojoyo Madura, Universitas Gajayana Malang, STIE Mahardhika Surabaya, and Politeknik Negeri Malang) to delve into the rich cultural heritage of batik.

The initiative was championed by Peneleh Research Institute and USM’s Centre for Policy Research (CPR). Joining the event were Dr. Illisriyani Ismail and her team from USM’s Centre for Policy Research (CPR) from USM and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ari Kamayanti and Dr. Novrida Qudsi Lutfillah (PRI’s Director). Dr. Illisriyani noted that this program is a key part of their Maritime Nusantara & Sustainability Policy Initiative (M.U.T.I.A.R.A.). The M.U.T.I.A.R.A. initiative’s mission is to support policies related to the blue economy, sustainable development, and the maritime Nusantara region.

Participants had the unique opportunity to experience hands-on batik making at the Soendari Batik workshop in Malang. The day included an engaging focused group discussion (FGD) session and a practical batik-making workshop. The ultimate goal of this collaboration is to compile the research and findings into scholarly articles and a book, serving as a lasting outcome of the event.

Peneleh Research Institute and Centre for Policy Research (CPR) Universiti Sains Malaysia are looking forward to having great collaborative works in the future for Nusantara science advancement.