Batik is a type of fabric originated from Indonesia, specifically from the Java island during Majapahit era. Batik is made with manual wax-resist dyeing technique, using a tool called "canting" and liquid wax which is called "malam". It can take up to a month to make a traditional batik manually. Today batik encompasses all kinds of fabrics that incorporate the use of batik patterns, including factory made batik. Handmade batiks are considered work of arts and is highly priced and can reach up to several thousand dollars.

Batik is formal national clothing of Indonesia, worn in state's formal dinners and events. Batik is officially acknowledged by UNESCO as Indonesia's cultural heritage. Nowadays, many Indonesian designers incorporate batik in their fashion designs, including casual wear, popularizing batik once again to Indonesian youth.

Batik patterns differ from one region to other. The most famous batik comes from Java and Bali Islands.

Batik is a word derived from Javanese words "amba" and "nitik". "Amba" means "to write" and "nitik" means "dots". Batik predated the written history of Java.

Batik is made by drawing the patterns on the fabric with "malam" or melted wax, using the traditional tool of canting. The wax seeps to the fabric and prevents the dye to penetrate. The fabric then dipped into the dye to color it, the part with the wax will not be dyed. The steps required to finish a batik depends on the numbers of colors and the intricacy of the patterns.