Solo, en.SERU.co.id — The 17th edition of the Solo Batik Carnival (SBC) 2026 has tapped Surakarta Deputy Mayor Astrid Widayani as its official mascot. This year’s event carries the theme P17OELAS, inspired by the Javanese philosophy of Pitulungan and Welas, meaning mutual help and compassion.
What sets this edition apart is a fresh approach that blends cultural richness with real economic impact. For the first time, every detail of the carnival costumes is crafted entirely from products made by Solo’s small and medium industries (IKM).
Astrid described her role as a concrete expression of the local government’s commitment to boosting the creative economy and highlighting homegrown potential.
Her elaborate costume fuses signature elements from four of Solo’s key industry hubs:
- Shuttlecocks (bulu kok) from the Serengan center
- Birdcage details from Mojosongo
- Wooden ornaments from the Srikayu Gilingan furniture district
- Traditional batik from Kampung Batik Laweyan
The intricate outfit took nearly a month to complete and is notably heavy, incorporating real wooden pieces and birdcages. After a test run, Astrid admitted feeling the weight but remained upbeat.
“Please pray that I’ll have the strength to carry it all the way from Sriwedari to Balai Kota Solo,” she said with a smile.
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A New Chapter for SBC
Surakarta Mayor Respati Ardi noted that over its 17-year journey, the Solo Batik Carnival has evolved far beyond a simple street parade. It has become a major platform that merges creativity, culture, and the spirit of gotong royong (communal cooperation).
“The theme Pitulungan and Welas serves as a reminder for all of us to care for and help one another. Through this carnival, we want to show Indonesia and the world that batik is not just a relic of the past, it’s a living source of inspiration,” he said.
Respati added that partnering with local IKM aims to deliver direct economic benefits to micro-entrepreneurs. Looking ahead, the city hopes to draw more international visitors, further elevating Solo’s batik heritage and creating opportunities for its UMKM (micro, small, and medium enterprises).
Lia Imelda, Chair of the Solo Batik Carnival Foundation, expressed deep appreciation for the full support from the Surakarta city government and Tourism Office. She hopes the 17th edition will further cement batik as a timeless cultural identity while driving the growth of the city’s creative economy. (gts/mzm)
Indonesian Version:
Wakil Wali Kota Astrid Widayani Resmi Jadi Maskot Solo Batik Carnival 2026
