Exploring local wisdom: translating Bujangga Manik’s journey from ancient Sundanese manuscripts into batik motifs as a strengthening of national identity

The story of Bujangga Manik, depicted in batik motifs, has the potential to strengthen national identity. Bujangga Manik was the only traveller who successfully documented a spiritual journey from West Java to the East on a piece of nipah leaf, yet no article has documented his account. In this study, the challenge is to translate the old Sundanese texts into the visual form of batik designs. Developing original batik motifs influenced by Bujangga Manik’s journeys to Bogor, Bandung, Demak, and Bali is the objective of this study. A descriptive qualitative approach with an artistic perspective was used, drawing on Graham Wallas understanding of the creative process. Bujangga Manik’s experiences and travels inspired the production of magnificent batik designs for the study’s sample. As a result of this research, the batik designs were created, and the journeys to Java and Bali were portrayed in the batik products designed based on the Bujangga Manik text. According to the study’s findings, innovations in batik motifs influenced by Sundanese cultural history are produced through the visual transfer process. Bujangga Manik motifs have emerged as a new means of educating the public and younger generations about Sundanese history and culture, hence enhancing national identity. Additionally, by educating students about the historical foundations and principles of cultural distinctiveness and cultural preservation, this research can indirectly strengthen national identity while also enhancing the educational curriculum.