JP/Wasti Atmodjo

Soul searching led Ida Ayu Jiwa to batik. Her Wong Bali batik production house is now recognized for its exclusive work both across and beyond the island.

Her journey has not been a smooth one, despite being a descendant of the prominent Pidada Sidemen family of Karangasem, Bali.

The woman, fondly known as Dayu, finds that batik - its philosophy and art - has filled her life with spirit, giving her the determination to fulfill her dreams.

"In my life, I had my ups and downs, including in running my business, especially after my parents passed way," Dayu said as her hands continued making batik patterns on a piece of cloth.

"In Bali, a daughter becomes an *outsider' once she's married, so I have to fight to survive, for the sake my children's future," said the single mother of two.

As a child coming from a promenant family, her parents sent her to study in a strict private school. She also spent time at a school in Malang, East Java, before living for some time in Yogyakarta, where she searched for business opportunities.

She has established several business ventures, including an event organizing company. She also ran a successful restaurant in Sanur. But, tragically, these were all wiped out by Bali bombings in 2005.

A friend then encouraged her to take batik making lessons.

"At first, I was impatient and easily gave up. I thought the batik lessons were a waste of my time. I skipped class many times," she recalls.

But she stayed the course, trying to figure out what made batik so special. Deep inside, she was curious about the way elderly people in her big family treated their batik collections.

"They give their batik special treatment. When taking about batik, it sounds the same as when they talked about gold jewellery and their inheritance," Dayu said.

She was also impressed by the simplicity of batik artists.

"They're so extraordinary. They spend hours creating batik despite their meagre salary. They, even the old ones, stay relaxed and produce quality work."

She then took an initiative to speak with an old batik artist, asking her "what is batik?"

"I felt like I was slapped in the face when she told me that batik is all about *intention, determination and effort'. She then explained in more detail; she had awakened me on the real meaning of life," Dayu said.

From then on, she was motivated to gain deeper knowledge about batik. From her network of friends in different countries, she collected books on batik.

She also explored a number of batik production centers in the country, from the West Javan town of Cirebon to Pekalongan in Central Java.

Only when she felt she was quite skillful in batik making did she decide to set up her own batik production house in her hometown of Bali.

The name Wong Bali (wong means people in Javanese) - was choosen following discussion with friends and production started in 2004.

Despite the popularity of batik, she believed there was still room in the market for her.

"Batik has been around for many years but it has proved to be resilient and continues to be loved by many," Dayu said.

She utilizes her painting and computer skills to make different batik designs.

She dares to be different, both in design and use of colors, turning the pakem or the ground rules of batik motifs - both in Javanese and Balinese - upside down, developing motifs that suit her own imagination.

"I just follow my heart in making batik and it seems like the batiks are loved by many, in fact, they have become Wong Bali's trademark," Dayu said.

Environmental concerns have also encouraged her to use materials friendly to the environment. She uses both manufactured and natural dyes and prepares natural fruit-based washing material, locally known as klerek, for her batik.

She plans to impart her knowledge of batik to others.

Although she finds batik extremely attractive, especially for Balinese women, some people still do not appreciate the value and quality of batik.

She is fully aware that batik-making is not rooted in Bali but it can serve to preserve the arts.

She is currently preparing a gallery as a space to hold a batik workshop.

Dayu said she wants to share her knowledge with teenagers in Bali, especially dropout students, who want to learn about batik.

"Through their newfound skills, they can start running their own business," she said.

Exclusivity is Wong Bali's trademark. She only produces one product with a specific motif.

Wong Bali produces kamen (long batik cloth) and shawls in silks and cottons for her mostly foreign customers.

Dayu said that a number of tourists have become loyal repeat customers and have helped to promote her products in their colleagues. These included a guest from the Netherlands who invited her to demonstrate the batik-making process.

Although her business has developed beyond her expectations, Dayu keeps in touch with batik artists in many areas and is open to criticism.

"Without criticism, we don't know how our works are developing and so far, the comments have been objective," she said.

"Keeping in touch with other batik artists keeps our creative spirit alive."

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