Uzbekistan Inbound Student at UMS Experiences Batik-Making in Laweyan

Uzbekistan students participating in the inbound (student exchange) program at Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) had the opportunity to try their hand at batik-making in the renowned Batik Village of Laweyan. They were able to witness and experience the beauty of batik firsthand.

Before practicing batik at Batik Mahkota Laweyan on Thursday (8/5/2025), the students were introduced to the rich history of batik. They were also shown unique creations such as wayang beber batik and batik featuring verses from the Quran, both of which require extensive time and craftsmanship to produce.

The curiosity of the students from Uzbekistan about the batik-making process couldn’t be contained. They eagerly asked the guide many questions, from types of batik and dyeing techniques to the price of batik fabrics.

One of the exchange students, Shakhlo Khasanova from Millat Umidi University, Uzbekistan, said she had often heard about batik while in Yogyakarta.

Shakhlo Khasanova and her batik creation. Luqman Hakim/UMS PR

"But here in Solo, we got a great opportunity to learn about batik and actually practice it with our own hands,” Shakhlo said after completing her batik piece.

She expressed her gratitude to UMS for giving her the chance to experience batik-making firsthand. Smiles and laughter filled the room as she worked alongside her fellow students and local artisans.

According to Shakhlo, batik-making takes a lot of time, especially when working with large pieces of cloth. For instance, a full-size fabric can take up to six months to complete. However, during their practice session at Batik Mahkota Laweyan, the students from Uzbekistan worked on a 30 cm by 30 cm piece, which could be finished in about two hours.

“The design looks like clouds and the sun,” Shakhlo said, explaining her artwork.

Regarding the student exchange program from Uzbekistan to UMS, the satay-loving student admitted she hadn’t expected to be taken around various places in Solo, nor had she anticipated the learning experience at UMS.

“But when I arrived here, I was surprised and amazed. We learned so many things from other students and especially from the professors on campus,” she said, concluding her remarks.

After the batik-making session in Laweyan Batik Village, the students from Uzbekistan were invited to pray at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Their fourth day in Solo concluded with a shopping trip to Solo Wholesale Center (Pusat Grosir Solo) to buy souvenirs.

Writer: Maysali Sudarwati

Editor: Fika Annisa Sholihah

Translator: Farizal Luqman Majid