President Jokowi Urges People to Preserve Batik

President Jokowi delivers his remarks at the commemoration of the 2019 National Batik Day, in Solo, Central Java, Wednesday (2/10). (Photo by: Rahmat/PR).

Indonesian people must show their commitment to the country’s batik preservation, President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo has said.

The commitment is needed to sustain UNESCO’s recognition for Indonesian batik as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

“However, the UNESCO began to re-evaluate the recognition,” President Jokowi said in his remarks at the commemoration of the 2019 National Batik Day, in Solo, Central Java, Wednesday (2/10).

According to the President, support from all parties is really needed to sustain the recognition that was gained ten years ago.

“We all must continue to maintain the nobility of our culture and develop the creativity of the national batik art,” he said, adding that inviting the youth and the global community to love batik is also an important thing.

On the occasion, President Jokowi also urged the public to promote batik at international events, citing an example that he did this when welcoming the Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

“We must be high-hearted to wear batik in international events and make it as an ambassador of Indonesian culture in the global community,” the President said.

The President also expressed his gratitude and highest appreciation to all parties who have contributed to the progress and glory of Indonesian batik.

“Happy National Batik Day. Long live Indonesian batik,” he concluded. (HIM/RAH/ES)

Translated by: Galuh Wicaksono
Edited by: Mia Medyana