Hi Anne! I have read the same thing. It is …

Comment on Batik Ori School Yogyakarta by marriedwithmaps.

Hi Anne!
I have read the same thing. It is really hard to tell what is a scam there because everyone you meet will tell you they are the only ones with real authentic batik and for the best price, etc.
I do know that we got two pieces of art which we enjoy and they were for a good price so we don’t feel scammed! We also got to try out the batik and learn about it. Anyway I do think that at this particular place it is all hand-made, not the “prints” which apparently some people sell because there were so many unique paintings, ones with errors, etc. Whether or not the front/back thing is a way to tell “true batik”, we can’t be sure either, but it seemed reasonable.
We also bought a piece of art made by the student (or “student”?) that showed us how to make it. He told us his signature and we happened to like one that had it and he said it would help support him. He also talked about batik students and masters. I mean maybe the whole thing is misleading but whether it is a scam depends on how you look at it I suppose. I think it feels like a scam so many people think it is but anyway, even if it isn’t a “school” in the traditional sense, I think they take art from locals who are at a variety of levels and they must learn from someone!
We also learned that people in this area have a culture of helping one another. For example, at our first Airbnb, while one guy’s name is on it, it was actually mostly set up and run by others because that person’s family had helped them when they were younger. If they have a connection to someone they like to send other people their way as well- like go to this restaurant, etc.
But yeah, we are happy with our souvenirs as well and I think that’s ultimately what matters (though I would also like more details on the whole thing.)
(-Briana)

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