In a festive addition to the year-end celebrations, Yogyakarta Station is presenting a unique cultural experience for the public. Along with its iconic five-meter-high Santa Claus statue, the station is hosting a batik exhibition from December 21-31, 2024, titled "Exploring Batik, Caring for History." This exhibition, held in collaboration with Lawasan Batik, aims to preserve Indonesia's cultural heritage while showcasing the rich artistry of batik.

The exhibition features 30 collections of Vorstenlanden batik, symbolizing the deep historical connection between the regions that were part of the Mataram Sultanate, namely Kasunanan Surakarta, Kasultanan Yogyakarta, Kadipaten Mangkunegaran, and Kadipaten Pakualaman. Executive Vice President of Daop 6 Yogyakarta, Bambang Respationo, emphasized the exhibition's significance in linking the history of railway transportation with the cultural wealth of Nusantara.

"Yogyakarta Station is a cultural gateway and the perfect place to educate the public about the importance of preserving batik as a world heritage," said Bambang Respationo during the ceremonial opening on Sunday, December 22. "In addition, Yogyakarta Station is not only a historic transportation hub but also a space that embodies culture and beauty."

Yogyakarta Station: A Cultural Landmark

As one of Indonesia's oldest stations, Yogyakarta Station plays a vital role in the city's cultural and economic history. Trains have been instrumental in connecting diverse traditions, including batik, which has been recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage. Bambang noted that the first railway line, established in 1867 between Semarang and Yogyakarta, was crucial in transporting agricultural products, including indigo, the natural dye used in Vorstenlanden batik.

"The exhibition serves as a reminder of the intertwined relationship between transportation history, nature's wealth, and batik craftsmanship," said Bambang. He also invited the public to take advantage of Yogyakarta Station's non-commercial public spaces for similar cultural events in the future.

Batik as a Cultural Symbol

Laretna T. Adishakti, Chairperson I of the Indonesian Batik Lovers Association (PPBI), highlighted that the exhibition not only celebrates batik as an art form but also as a representation of Indonesia's history, economy, nature, and culture. She emphasized the role of Yogyakarta and Lempuyangan Stations in spreading and preserving this cultural heritage through train travel, connecting Yogyakarta to various regions and strengthening national identity.

"I hope this event will inspire the younger generation to preserve and develop our cultural heritage, and highlight the importance of collaboration between transportation, culture, and history," said Laretna.

A Series of Cultural Activities

In addition to the batik exhibition, the Batik Roadshow will feature a variety of activities, including a Batik Fashion Show, Nyanting and Healing sessions, a Jogja Walking Tour, and more. These events are designed to offer visitors a deeper understanding of batik’s significance while providing an opportunity to engage with the art in a dynamic and festive atmosphere.

As the year comes to a close, Yogyakarta Station continues to enrich the public with meaningful experiences that honor both the past and the future, making train travel even more memorable for visitors and locals alike.