South Kalimantan's cultural tourism always amazes lovers of ethnic Indonesian heritage. Amidst the charm of its river nature, Banjarmasin holds a highly captivating craft heritage: Sasirangan Fabric. This typical Banjarmasin souvenir is not just ordinary traditional batik cloth, but a sacred textile inherited from the Banjar Sultanate believed to have existed since the 12th century.
The word 'Sasirangan' comes from the Banjar word 'sirang' which means tied or hand-stitched (basting). This represents the manufacturing technique that takes days using original natural color-resist methods of the Archipelago.
Mystical Traces and Healing Cloths
Did you know that in ancient times, Sasirangan was only used by the nobles of the Negara Dipa Kingdom? Furthermore, this cloth had magical powers as a healing medium for medical illnesses (blood pamali) and was believed to ward off evil spirits (batatamba).
The ancient colors of Sasirangan fabric were not merely fashion aesthetics. Yellow was believed to cure jaundice, pink for headaches, and green for paralysis or stroke illnesses. All used dye extracts from tree sap and natural spices of the Kalimantan forest.
Philosophy of the 3 Most Famous Motifs
Today, Sasirangan fabric has transformed into modern fashion tourism without leaving its ancestral essence. If you shop for Sasirangan fabric souvenirs at Kampung BNI Sasirangan Banjarmasin, pay attention to these 3 legendary motifs and their meanings:
Gigi Haruan Motif (Snakehead Fish Teeth): Symbolizes sharpness of mind and authority. The Haruan fish is the favorite freshwater fish of the Banjar people, symbolizing independence in surviving the harsh river nature.
Kambang Kacang Motif (Peanut Flower): A symbol of familiarity, hospitality, and brotherhood of the Banjar community. The creeping peanut flower symbolizes the unbroken ties of kinship between generations.
Bayam Raja Motif (King Spinach): Exclusively reserved for the nobility. The shape of spinach leaves pointing upwards symbolizes high status, just leadership, and noble character.
Sasirangan Center Tourism Destination
In educational and cultural tourism agendas, tourists are highly recommended to visit Kampung Jelujur Sasirangan in Seberang Mesjid, Central Banjarmasin. In this flagship creative tourism village of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, you can learn to make Sasirangan batik directly with local artisans (Banjar Acil-acil).
Buying Sasirangan means you contribute to preserving the long historical traces of Borneo Malay civilization, while simultaneously helping the creative economy wheels of thousands of MSME artisans in the corners of Banjarmasin City. Come make Sasirangan your next fashion masterpiece!
