<![CDATA[This study aims to analyze the legal and institutional factors underlying the delayed GI registration, including local governmental priorities, institutional capacity, stakeholder coordination, political-institutional dynamics, and administrative barriers. Geographical Indication (GI) protection constitutes an important legal instrument for safeguarding regional products with distinctive characteristics, established reputations, and strong geographical linkages, while supporting local economic development and cultural preservation. However, despite the longstanding reputation, distinctive production characteristics, and significant economic potential of Batik Tulis Girilayu, its GI registration has not been initiated by the relevant local institutions. This condition indicates a gap between the product’s potential for legal protection and the institutional capacity required to realize such protection. The study employs empirical legal research (socio-legal research). The findings demonstrate that the delay is attributable not merely to the legal eligibility of the product, but also to fragmented institutional authority, limited administrative capacity, weak stakeholder coordination, and the absence of a sustained local policy agenda. Effective GI protection therefore requires strengthened institutional commitment, collaborative governance, and integrated policies linking GI protection with local economic development, cultural preservation, and sustainable tourism.]]>
