“Identitas yang Memudar” Batu City Declining Identity Awareness Raising Documentary by Eligius Vidhitya Vinotama
This thesis project addresses the critical issue of Batu City’s declining agricultural legacy. Once globally celebrated as the primary producer of apples in Indonesia, Batu City is currently facing a sharp decline in apple orchards due to land conversion, climate shifts, and economic pressures. Through a carefully structured visual approach, the documentary serves as a compelling narrative medium to highlight the personal struggles of local farmers and the gradual loss of a cultural symbol that has defined the region for generations.
By combining in-depth qualitative field research with engaging visual storytelling, the documentary aims to trigger public discourse and foster strategic civic engagement. It goes beyond simple documentation to actively cultivate emotional connections between audiences, community stakeholders, and policymakers. Ultimately, “Identitas yang Memudar” functions as an urgent call to action, emphasizing the vital need to preserve local agricultural heritage, support sustainable farming practices, and restore the iconic apple as an enduring symbol of Batu City’s collective identity.