The Batik Motifs of Pikachu's Journey

Now that the journey of the de facto mascot of Pokémon in the big archipelago of Southeast Asia has reached its peak, I want to discuss something that has become a characteristic part of that journey, and that would be the batik fabric and subsequently shirts made out of them. It started with one pattern, revealed when the journey started, and at this point, there are four of them. Each of these I will discuss with their particular characteristics and especially how Pokémon is incorporated into the design. 

The first pattern is dubbed the "Pikachu" pattern and takes inspiration from (or could be considered an homage to) the "parang" motif. Here, images of Pikachu and Poké Balls are intermingled to create the wavy pattern of the motif it is inspired by. It is said that the motif that carries the inspiration for this pattern signifies continuity like waves crashing upon a shore, for all the important struggles, connections, and improvements in life. Pokémon Trainers may be considered to require to possess some of that continuity, and therefore the pattern might speak to them - certainly including for me.

Up next is the "Xatu" pattern, shown at around the second stop of the journey. Visually, it has some resemblance to a motif that hails from East Kalimantan, more specifically of the Dayak tribe. It is stately and royal (also, formal), much like the Pokémon that is incorporated into the design. It might also involve a certain numerology (Xatu is #178), but even more than that, the other parts that show natural symbols demonstrate beauty as well as strength and resilience. A friend of mine possesses a shirt with this pattern, and whether that friend realizes its symbolism or not, it's definitely a fitting one.

Pattern number three is the "Staryu" pattern, obviously featuring this characteristic starfish Pokémon. Its brown shading suggests calmness with a jeweled accent by the crystal core of the Pokémon. Its closest visual match could be considered the "Sogan" motif applied on fabrics that would only be worn by people of the royal court and indeed has a similar brown shading. Just like how things with this fabric can now be worn by anyone and everyone, the incorporation of Pokémon into the design is a bit of an affirmation that Pokémon is for everyone - and even all cultures, by these fabrics.

Lastly, there is the "Floral Pikachu" pattern. This one has a slightly more cutesy, in a way feminine touch by including a bright pink color and geometric outlines, particularly for the characteristic flowers of the pattern. It seems this pattern was inspired by the "Kawung" motif that features a similar arrangement of shapes and outlines, even if not a very close match to it. Yet another one of my friends bought shirts with this pattern for the entire family, so its appeal is high (and so is the motif for the inspiration in general). Needless to say, the appeal of Pokémon for everyone is also affirmed.

In the nearly one year that Pikachu's Indonesia Journey has gone on, the defining moments of that journey ought to be not only marked by the Pokémon experiences but also the things that put perspective into that journey, like these four batik patterns and the shirts made from them. The four patterns bring out the local characteristics associated with the fabrics, and their inclusion of Pokémon shows that they can play well with that franchise, bringing together tradition and modernity in a single journey.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 9/23/2023

Two years ago: New Factions Battlefields Plus

Three years ago: Unite Uptake

Four years ago: Making Time, Taking Time

Five years ago: Doubleheaders and Such

Six years ago: Cosplay: Panniversary 2nd

Seven years ago: Pikachu and Poké Ball New 2DS XL