THE PLURALITY OF TUBAN REGENCY

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic necessitates the use of all sectors in communication through online media based on using Internet networks and audio-visual technology. Gedog Tuban Batik fabric has the potential to develop the motifs and coloring of the fabric that can be done by batik artisans. Meanwhile, the impact of COVID-19 has resulted in a decline in the economic activity of artisans. To overcome this, a method of empowering the Tuban community is needed so that they can continue to produce Tuban batik. The community is equipped to express themselves through audio and visual media as well as coloring and motifs for developing Gedog batik with the citizen journalist method and applied art. This is an ethnographic research using qualitative methods. The data collection techniques were done through in-depth interviews and observations. The results of the study show that through the empowerment of local resources, the Tuban community has an alternative activity, namely batik making in order to survive during the pandemic. The residents of Tuban are agents of information in terms of how to produce, distribute, and exhibit Gedog batik through their smart phone technology. It builds the literacy skills of the local community through the art, culture, and history in Tuban as a communication medium that reminds the residents of the local wisdom through their collective memory.