ABSTRACT
Since the 1970s, batik in Indonesia has undergone marked change. Based on my findings in several places in central Java and mainly in Solo, the traditional use of batik appears to have declined.
Formerly, batik was a necessary item in people's daily life. Though its chief function was as part of the daily dress, it had been of use in countless other ways, beginning the moment a baby was born until the day s/he died. Batik is not only beautiful but it is also meaningful. Time changes and so do the functions of batik. Some of the former functions have been replaced, mainly in the drive towards efficiency. In modern life, for instance, we very seldom see the traditional kain and kebaya in public places like streets, stations or public transportations except in traditional market places. Even in the country where countrywomen used to wear kain and kebaya in a more casual way than the townswomen, this way of dressing has become rare. On the other hand, new usages of batik have been invented in a development process that appears to be unlimited.
