 The batik industry of Java flourished from the late 1800s to early 1900s , but declined during the Japanese occupation of Indonesia . It further declined after the Indonesian independence , as people chose western clothes , decimating the batik industry . However , batik has somewhat revived at the turn of the 21st century , through the efforts of Indonesian fashion designers to innovate batik by incorporating new colours , fabrics , and patterns . Batik has become a fashion item for many Indonesians , and may be seen on shirts , dresses , or scarves for casual wear ; it is a preferred replacement for jacket @-@ and @-@ tie at certain receptions . Traditional batik sarongs are still used in many occasions . 
