The objectives of the research were to explore the regeneration process of
batik artists and to identify the synergy between batik and cultural tourism
development in Surakarta. Data consisted of primary and secondary data and
were collected using site observation, interview, document study, and focus group
discussion. Data were analyzed using interactive model of analysis and thematic
analysis. Results indicate that regeneration process of batik artists in some batik
industrial centers in the Surakarta area varies. In some batik industrial centers
regeneration process of batik artists runs well. In some other centers young
people tend to avoid working as batik artists. Another result shows that in the
Surakarta area there has been a synergy between batik and cultural tourism
development. The synergy is in the form of empowering local guides to become
batik interpreter, performing fashion show and batik carnival, and performing the
process of batik making as well as displaying batik as craft products to become
tourist attraction.
Key words: batik artist, creative industry, cultural tourism, regeneration
