Shopee collaborates with a renowned Indonesian fashion designer, Didiet Maulana, in a batik event titled 'Cerita Batik Masa Kini' (Contemporary Batik Stories). This collaboration was done to commemorate National Batik Day on October 2, 2023. With the presence of this event, Shopee aims to emphasize its commitment in supporting local SMEs, including batik producers and craftsmen, to compete globally.

In addition, batik craftsmen can also register themselves in the Shopee Export Program to bring their batik products to the export markets in Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Latin America. Head of Marketing Growth Shopee Indonesia, Monica Vionna, expressed Shopee's commitment #ShopeeAdaUntukUMKM to the development of local batik producers on Shopee so that they can compete globally.

"This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to SMEs, especially batik producers and craftsmen in our country, so that they can upgrade and compete globally through various features and programs on Shopee, one of which is the Shopee Export Program. The presence of today's event is expected to provide potential and positive impact for the development of local batik producers on Shopee, so that they can penetrate the international market, following more than 20 million SME products that have successfully exported through the Shopee Export Program," explained Monica.

"Being a fashion industry player in Indonesia, I am proud and appreciate Shopee for their commitment to support local batik producers and craftsmen as well as small and medium-sized enterprises (UMKM) to be widely known overseas. I also highly appreciate the batik sellers on Shopee, who provide inspiration for other UMKM to continue innovating and creating batik into current trends," said Didiet.

Furthermore, she also said that, "I was really happy earlier when styling batik, it can inspire friends that batik can be worn to campus, hang out, or go for a walk, not just for formal events. Hopefully in the future, by making batik as everyday clothing, we can participate in its business development in the homeland and international arena."

Dini and Bheben create batik motifs inspired by Iris Grace, a special needs child who undergoes art therapy, and the resulting artwork is applied to the distinctive Damakara batik collection. "I am aware that these special friends have extraordinary interests and talents. Therefore, we embrace and provide space for them to create artwork. We also appreciate the artwork that is included in the collection with monthly sales royalties," said Dini.

Through Damakara, Dini and Bheben want to invite more young generations to take pride in using batik not only for formal activities but also in daily life. They also aspire to bring batik, which is nurtured by special friends, to the international realm. To optimize their business mission, Dini and Bheben take the step of digitalization and join Shopee. Through the development of their business with Shopee, Dini has successfully sold her products to Malaysia, Singapore, and even Taiwan. Thanks to a wider market and more orders, she is now able to empower up to 12 employees and 60 batik craftsmen, the majority of whom are housewives in Garut Regency, West Java.