Besurek Batik, or Besurek Fabric, is a handicraft from Bengkulu. The word “Besurek” is a vocabulary from the Bengkulu language, meaning “inscribed” or “written”. 

The “writing” or “letter” become the characteristic of Besurek Batik, in which this fabric is decorated with Arabic calligraphy lettering patterns. It also makes the Bengkulu fabric link to the development of Islam in the west of Nusantara. 

In its history, Besurek Batik was introduced by Arab traders and workers from India in the 17th century. Along with its development, the art of making patterns on the fabric was combined with Bengkulu characteristics as the Indonesian tradition. 

Other historical notes stated that Besurek fabric in Bengkulu began when a hero, Prince Senton Alibasyah, with his family and followers, migrated to Bengkulu. It came from the wearers and artisans of the fabric that mostly came from Prince Sentot Alibasyah’s descendants. 

Today, Besurek batik tulis or hand-drawn batik artisans engaged in this batik art are relatively rare because of the rapid production of batik that uses printing machines on the market. However, some groups still preserve the Besurek fabric tradition and mark the interactions of various nations in Bengkulu. 

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Image sources:
B. Herlina/Deutsche Welle
Pemerintah Provinsi Bengkulu
duta_busana/carousell.com
bengkulunews.co.id