Batik is cloth which traditionally uses a manual wax-resist dyeing technique. Due to modern advances in the textile industry, the term of Batik has been extended to include fabrics which incorporate traditional batik patterns even if they are not produced using the wax-resist dyeing technique.

Javanese traditional batik, especially from Yogyakarta and Surakarta (Solo), has special meanings rooted to the Javanese conceptualization of the universe. Traditional batik colors include indigo, dark brown, and white which represent the three major Hindu Gods (Brahma, Vishnu, and Siva). This Batik color is related to the fact that natural dyes are only available in indigo and brown. Certain batik patterns can only be worn by nobility; traditionally, wider stripes or wavy lines of greater width indicated higher rank.

Other regions of Indonesia have their own unique Batik patterns which normally take themes from everyday lives, incorporating patterns such as flowers, nature, animals, folklore or people. The color of pesisir batik, from the coastal cities of northern Java, is especially vibrant, and it absorbs influence from the Javanese, Arab, Chinese and Dutch culture.

UNESCO designated Indonesian batik as a Masterpiece of Oral an Intangible Heritage of Humanity on October 2, 2009. As part of the acknowledgment, UNESCO insisted that Indonesia preserve their heritage.

Although the batik word's origin is Javanese, its etymology may be either from the Javanese amba ('to write') and titik ('dot' or 'point'), or constructed from a hypothetical Proto- Austronesian root *beCík, meaning 'to tattoo' from the use of a needle in the process.

Depending on the quality of the batik art work, dyes, and fabric, the finest batik tulis halus cloth can fetch several thousand dollars, reflecting the fact that it probably took several months to make. Batik tulis has both sides of the cloth ornamented.

In Indonesia, traditionally, batik was sold in 2.25-meter lengths used for kain panjang or sarong for kebaya dress. Batik can also be worn by wrapping it around the body, or made into a hat known as blangkon.