Keraton and Malioboro are examples of iconic tourist destinations that many people know when they mention Yogyakarta. In addition, Yogyakarta is also often associated with typical handicrafts in the form of various batik products. Based on market research from a student team consisting of Adigdya Pangestu (craft education), Azizah Nuzulul Rohmah (Indonesian language and literature education) and Rinda Lestari (economic education), concluded that most bag products combined with batik, usually only use common batik pattern. To provide added value, the team agreed to develop a tote bag made of genuine cowhide combined with written batik cloth with Abdi Dalem motifs known as Abdarta Batik Leather Bags (Abdi Dalem Yogyakarta).
"Abdi Dalem is also one of the icons of Yogyakarta," said Adigdya Pangestu. This is inseparable from the presence of courtiers who play a major role in various cultural and daily activities at the Yogyakarta Palace.
This Abdarta bag was developed using premium materials at a more affordable price than similar products. "The main thing is to use new motifs that are not yet on the market and come purely from our ideas and creativity," said Azizah Nuzulul Rohmah.
Rinda Lestari explained that the material used in making this bag is genuine cowhide because cowhide is more durable than other types of leather to be applied to crafts. "Written batik cloth was chosen because the quality of written batik is superior to stamped and printed batik in terms of colors and images on the pattern," said Rinda.
Through the Abdarta batik leather bag, it is hoped that it can enrich the variety of handicraft products in Yogyakarta which in the end can help encourage the revival of tourism after the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, create jobs and reduce poverty in a sustainable approach.
