EduAsiaNews, Surakarta – A collaboration between the Fashion Design Undergraduate Program of the Faculty of Art and Design (FSRD) at Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta and the Cepu Fashion Designer Community (Cepu FDC) of Blora regency has brought a collection titled “Pesona Jati Ayu” to Solo Batik Fashion 2026. The collection is one of the outcomes of UNS’s International Community Partnership Program (PKMI), implemented in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Kelantan and supported by the Blora Regional National Crafts Council (Dekranasda).
The “Pesona Jati Ayu” collection draws inspiration from the philosophy of the teak tree, one of Blora regency’s natural assets and defining symbols. Eight fashion looks were presented, featuring explorations of the Swaraga Jati and Jati Rinonce batik motifs, produced by local batik small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Blora.
The motifs reflect the life cycle of the teak tree through various elements: leaves symbolize protection, flowers represent hope, teak caterpillars signify transformation, while scattered leaves embody abundance.
Prof. Dr. Sarwono, M.Sn., head of the UNS PKMI implementation team, said participation in Solo Batik Fashion 2026 was part of an effort to translate the outcomes of community service initiatives into tangible products. He emphasized that such programs should go beyond training activities and produce fashion products that demonstrate creativity and can be showcased to the public.
“The PKMI program is designed to deliver tangible outcomes. One of them is a collaborative fashion collection that was showcased at Solo Batik Fashion 2026 on Oct. 31. Through this initiative, we hope to further develop the capabilities of local designers while creating greater appreciation for Blora’s batik and fashion potential,” he said.
Blora Dekranasda Chairwoman Hj. Ainia Shalichah, S.H., M.Pd.PAUD, M.Pd.BI., welcomed the collaboration and mentorship provided by UNS’s Fashion Design Program to local designers from Cepu FDC. She said participation in fashion events offered valuable experience for Blora designers, helping them build confidence, foster creativity and improve the quality of their work.
She expressed hope that the partnership would continue through sustained mentorship from UNS, enabling local designers and regional craft products to develop further and gain opportunities to feature in more fashion events.
Meanwhile, Cepu FDC Chairwoman RR. Erna Susiana Dewi expressed her gratitude for the opportunity and support provided through the UNS PKMI program. She said participating in the fashion show had been a valuable experience for local designers, particularly in developing design concepts, transforming local resources into fashion creations and introducing their work to a wider audience.
The experience, she added, had motivated Cepu FDC members to continue creating, improve their design skills and build networks with stakeholders in the fashion industry.
The initiative also supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 on Quality Education, by enhancing the capacity, skills and competencies of local designers through learning and mentorship. It also contributes to SDG 17 on Partnerships for the Goals through collaboration among UNS, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Cepu FDC, Blora Dekranasda and local batik SMEs to develop the region’s creative economy.
The UNS PKMI program was implemented with the participation of faculty members from the Fashion Design Undergraduate Program at FSRD UNS: Dr. Sujadi Rahmat Hidayat, S.Sn., M.Sn.; Dr. Ratna Endah Santoso, S.Sn., M.Sn.; M. Rudianto, S.E., S.Sn., M.Sn.; and Nisaul Hasanah A Rosyad, S.Ds., M.B.A.
Through the “Pesona Jati Ayu” collection, the collaboration demonstrates how regional cultural heritage and natural resources can serve as inspiration for contemporary fashion creations. Beyond a runway presentation, the initiative represents a concrete step toward strengthening local designers’ capabilities, expanding partnership networks and promoting Blora’s batik identity through the fashion industry.
UNS Public Relations
