Have you been enjoying the relaxed atmosphere at 10/10 Pool Bar while savoring the taste of Indonesia? Now, let’s explore another side of Indonesian culture. Here are the clues: “motifs” and “Yogyakarta”… Can you guess? Yup, it is batik! But this time, we need to be a bit more careful because some motifs are forbidden Indonesian cultural heritage batik motifs in the Keraton (Yogyakarta Palace).
So, to make sure we do not get any warnings when visiting the Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Royal Palace, let us dive into it together.
UNESCO Recognized Batik
People around the world widely recognize batik as one of Indonesia’s traditional art forms. Even on October 2, 2009, UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) designated batik as World Intangible Cultural Heritage. Following this recognition, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono declared October 2 as National Batik Day in Indonesia.
Source : sapurokebulan
UNESCO designated batik as a World Intangible Cultural Heritage of Indonesia because it reflects the deep meaning behind the life cycle of the Indonesian people, illustrated through its motifs and colors.
From birth, when parents wrap their baby in Sidomukti batik symbolizing hopes for prosperity, to death, when a family member covers their loved one in Slobog batik symbolizing openness and a smooth journey to God, batik accompanies every stage of life.”
Source : idntimes
Therefore, Indonesians have taken various steps to preserve batik, including adopting it as part of school uniforms, wearing batik to work every Friday, and choosing batik-patterned accessories as fashion statements (all to foster a sense of pride in the nation’s cultural heritage)
Source : 10/10 Pool Bar
“Forbidden (Larangan) Batik Motif” in The Keraton
In addition, many people often choose to wear batik-patterned clothing while on vacation. Items like batik tunics offer a relaxed yet modest look, making them perfect for visits to historical sites or exhibitions. Wide leg batik pants or kimono style outers are also popular choices, helping you stay comfortable and stylish while exploring cultural villages or tourist destinations.
Sumber : detik
Especially if you’re planning to visit the Keraton Yogyakarta (Yogyakarta Palace), your trip would not be complete without wearing batik. However, you must be careful when choosing batik motifs, as certain ‘larangan’ motifs are traditionally restricted to specific people..
So, let us take note of a few forbidden batik motifs to avoid any fashion faux pas :
-Huk Motif
The Huk motif features elements such as seashells symbolizing an open heart, plants representing prosperity, and wings signifying resilience. This motif exclusively for the king and crown prince, because it embodies a wise, strong, and dignified leader.
Source : kratonjogja
–Kawung Motif
This forbidden batik motif resembles a blooming lotus flower and symbolizes purity. Sentana Dalem who can wear batik with Kawung motif.
Source : kratonjogja
– Parang Motif
The Parang motif features patterns resembling a warrior’s sword, symbolizing strength and power. It is believed to enhance the inner strength of the wearer. Because of its significance, this motif is traditionally reserved for specific royal circles, including the king, crown prince and his family, the queen, kanjeng gusti pangeran adipati as well as kanjeng gusti pangeran adipati.
Source : kratonjogja
– Semen Motif
The Semen motif features elements such as mountains, garuda, wings, temples, and dragons. All symbolizing fertility, prosperity, and the universe. Those who wear this motif are expected to embody the spirit of a leader and protector.
Because of its deep symbolic meaning, this motif is traditionally reserved for select individuals.
They are wedana ageng prajurit, riya bupati anom, pengulu landraad, as well as the sultan’s descendants in the fifth (buyut) and sixth (canggah) generations.
Source : kratonjogja
So, make sure to double-check the batik motif you plan to wear when visiting the Yogyakarta Palace. You would not want to go for compliments but end up getting a warning instead, that would be a total fashion fail!
After exploring the city, there’s nothing better than relaxing with some good food and drinks, right? That’s why we recommend heading straight to the 10/10 Pool Bar, located on the rooftop of Novotel Suites Yogyakarta Malioboro.
There, you can choose from a variety of dishes, from Western favorites like the Exchange Sandwich and Grilled Prime Tenderloin, to Asian cuisine such as Sop Buntut (oxtail soup) and Gecok Kambing (spiced goat stew). For plant-based eaters, there are also vegetarian options like Vegan Chicken Satay and Vegan Meatball Curry.
Source : 10/10 Pool Bar
If you are not quite sure what to eat yet, feel free to start with a drink instead. You can choose from a variety of options such as fresh juices, espresso-based coffees, beers, cocktails, or even traditional Indonesian beverages like ginger tea, wedang uwuh, and bandrek..perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring.
Source : 10/10 Pool Bar
When you are feeling too tired or simply want to extend your holiday in Yogyakarta, you can stay at Novotel Suites, which offers a variety of room types, from the cozy Superior Studio at 32 m² to the spacious Executive Room at 45 m².
Source : Novotel Suites Yogyakarta
Each room also comes with a full range of amenities to ensure a comfortable stay, including a soft bed, sofa bed, iron, 50-inch TV, and a mini pantry complete with a microwave, tea and coffee-making facilities, chiller as well as sink..
Source : Novotel Suites Yogyakarta
Fashion Runway “Wastra Katresnan”
In addition, Novotel Suites Yogyakarta Malioboro often brings moments of joy and fresh experiences to many guests. One of them is Wastra Katresnan, a fashion runway event that showcases the richness of Indonesian culture in the modern era through the stunning patterns and colors created by 12 local designers.
So do not miss Wastra Katresnan on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at 10/10 Pool Bar, starting at 3:00 PM. When else can you enjoy a fashion runway on a rooftop with a 360º panoramic view of Yogyakarta ?
Source : 10/10 Pool Bar
If you are even more curious to see the full look of the pool bar and all the room facilities, just head over to Instagram then check out @1010poolbar and @novotelsuitesmalioboro and do not forget to follow it!
Source:
https://thephrase.id/mengenal-motif-batik-slobog-yang-bermakna-duka-cita
https://lifestyle.kompas.com/read/2016/10/02/190000720/batik.di.hari.jumat.paksaan.atau.bukan
https://www.kratonjogja.id/kagungan-dalem/12-motif-batik-larangan-keraton-yogyakarta/
https://batikkhasdaerah.com/ciri-khas-budaya-batik-dalam-kehidupan-masyarakat-indonesia-adalah
