Uniting cultures and promoting sustainable education: Batik diplomacy for Indonesian students in Taiwan to Support the SDGs

This study focuses on how batik diplomacy, as an ethnoscience approach, impacts Indonesian students’ knowledge, cultural appreciation, sustainable engagement, and cultural identity in Taiwan. The research used a mixed-method design, combining quantitative and qualitative methodologies to ensure thorough analysis. Data was gathered through a survey completed by 35 Indonesian students in Taiwan for quantitative analysis and through individual interviews with five selected participants for qualitative insights. The findings reveal that participation in the program significantly increased knowledge of batik, improved appreciation for Indonesian culture, and fostered sustainable engagement. The interviews showed that students felt a heightened sense of pride in their culture and became more active in preserving traditional plant species. The study demonstrates that integrating batik diplomacy with ethnoscience-based education supports sustainable development and helps Indonesian students in Taiwan work towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).