How the Pengobeng Continues to Exist in the Batik Industry? Field Notes from the Sangiran Archeological Site

Abstract

ABSTRACT Food, a result of local production and consumption, influences by culture, race, and ethnicity. It provides multisensory experiences that can be observed, expressed, smelled, tasted, and touched. However, this study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the batik industry and its practitioners in Sangiran Regency. Batik, an historic fabric of Indonesia, is an integral part of Sangiran, an Indonesian World Heritage site highlighting its origins. Drawing on the theory of Briggs (2005. The use of indigenous knowledge in development: Problems and challenges. Progress in Development Studies, 5 (2), 99–114) on indigenous knowledge, this field note explores the significance of batik filling, specifically within the daily lives of batik crafters. This study, conducted in Indonesia, has provided valuable insights from the perspectives of these individuals. Through a three-month ethnographic work, it was discovered that batik filling symbolizes not only an artistic element but also the culinary traditions of the Javanese community. Additionally, it emphasizes the pivotal role of pengobeng, who are predominantly women, in forming a profound connection to daily life through their memories. The results showed that batik filling serves as a medium for food nostalgia in women, asserting their presence and importance within the batik industry.