Ponorogo, June 28, 2025 – Hotel Maesa Ponorogo successfully hosted the Ponorogo Batik Festival 2025, a cultural event that combined the richness of local batik traditions with modern touches. This event was the result of a strategic collaboration between Maesa Hotel, the Fashion Design Business of Ciputra University Surabaya, and the Ponorogo Regency Government, East Java. With the theme “Harmony of Tradition and Culture,” the festival not only served as a platform for preserving Ponorogo’s distinctive batik but also encouraged the growth of the region’s creative economy.
The festival opened with an energetic performance of the Jathilan Dance, a symbol of Ponorogo culture. The event was attended by a number of key figures, including Aan Wildan Ahsani (Director of Maesa Hotel), Bobby Wibowo (CEO of Maesa Group), Ponorogo Regent Kang Giri, as well as representatives from Ciputra University Surabaya, Muhammadiyah University Ponorogo, and renowned batik craftsmen such as Batik Shaka and Batik Ciprat.
In his remarks, Aan Wildan Ahsani emphasized that this festival was not just a cultural performance, but a concrete manifestation of his commitment to building a collaborative ecosystem between MSMEs, artists, and policymakers. “We want Maesa Hotel to be a meeting point between tradition and innovation,” he said.
Meanwhile, Bobby Wibowo stated Maesa Group’s commitment to supporting cultural activities and the creative economy. “We are determined to make Maesa Hotel a home for sustainable development,” he added.
Ponorogo Regent Kang Giri also expressed his high appreciation for the festival. “Ponorogo batik is a cultural heritage that we must preserve and develop. Activities like this open up new economic opportunities for artisans and the creative young generation,” he said.
Some of the events held were:
- Ponorogo Batik Fashion Show
The work of Ciputra University students and local batik studios was showcased in modern styles by models from LS Model. The finalists of the 2025 Ponorogo Batik Prince and Princess also enlivened the event with elegant performances.
- Batik Workshop & Inspirational Talk Show
- The batik workshop was led by renowned batik artisans, such as Batik Shaka, introducing the younger generation to Ponorogo’s distinctive motifs.
- The talk show discussed local batik branding strategies for the global market, featuring academics and fashion practitioners from Ciputra University Surabaya.
3. MSME & Creative Batik Exhibition
Visitors, including international tourists, enthusiastically shopped at the exhibition booths showcasing products from Batik Neotral, Batik Lesoeng, Batik Ciprat, and others.
This event attracted a wide range of audiences, from students, artisans, fashion communities, and tourists. One special moment was when Bobby Wibowo symbolically wrote the words “Ponorogo Batik Festival” on a canvas, demonstrating his commitment to cultural preservation. The 2025 Ponorogo Batik Festival is a concrete example of the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of economic growth and sustainable development. Maesa Hotel hopes this event can become an annual event that strengthens Ponorogo’s brand as a culture-based creative city.
