Solo's export value in the 2012-2022 period shows a fluctuating trend. The three largest export commodities in Solo in 2022 are wooden furniture at 39.77%, textiles and textile production (TPT) at 20.88%, and batik at 14.61% Batik still holds a strong position as a contributor to Solo's exports in 2022 due to various reasons. Head of the Solo City Trade Service (Disdag), Heru Sunardi, explained that one of the reasons was due to the uniqueness of the batik motifs from Solo City. As is known, there are two well-known batik producing centers in Bengawan City, namely Batik Laweyan and Kauman. Solo also has a batik sales center at Klewer Market, as well as the Solo Wholesale Center (PGS) complex.

"Batik from Solo has a motive for what it is used for, its quality and adequate supply," said Heru, on Wednesday (7/9/2023).

According to Heru, the quality factor and adequate supply of batik is one of the factors that makes them sell well in the export market.

Chairman of the Kauman Batik Tourism Village Association, Gunawan Setiawan, explained that in general Solo batik follows the times and can become a trendsetter. Apart from that, the domestic batik market from Solo is quite strong.

Meanwhile, Key Account Officer for the Export Division of PT Batik Danar Hadi, Eko Sudarsono, explained that the batik cloth exported by Danar Hadi uses the art of quilting or patchwork which is in demand in foreign markets.

Patchwork is a craft that combines pieces of patchwork with different motifs or colors to create new shapes.

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Meanwhile, quilting is the art of combining patchwork fabrics of certain sizes and cuts to form unique motifs.

“The art of quilting is a hobby of people in the United States, Australia and Europe. "So, the need for batik has its own place and is in demand because of its patterns and color combinations, which can be said to be 99% non-existent for garment products," explained Eko.