Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia During the Inauguration of 2023 Gelar Batik Nusantara at Senayan Park, Central Jakarta Administrative City, Special Capital Region of Jakarta, August 2, 2023
Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.
Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
Good morning,
May peace be upon us all,
Om swastiastu,
Namo Buddhaya,
Greetings of Virtue.
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
First of all, I would like to express my greatest thanks to batik craftspeople, to batiks designer, to batik businesspeople, to batik lovers, to batik users who have continued and who have created and produced and used batik as a high culture of the people of Indonesia.
Batiks is very special, not only because of its beauty but also its philosophical meanings. Batik is our visage. Batik is our honor. Batik has created so many jobs. Millions of people work in our batik industry and [it] gives income and livelihood to millions of our people who work in this sector. Minister of Industry has pointed out the value and circulation from batik industry and based on my observation, after the pandemic, God willing, the increase will be larger.
Today we have an excellent timing for batik to rebound because our economy has been growing well, including last year, in the first quarter, second quarter, and we hope next year our economic growth will be more robust. In addition, many national and international events are carried out, like the one carried out today, Gelar Batik Nusantara.
Batik craftspeople and businesspeople have an excellent opportunity to rise up, create, and innovate. And I am calling on all craftspeople, designers, businesspeople, batik lovers, and all Indonesian people to make the most of the moment of our economic resurgence to continue developing batik that we have by exploring new designs, patterns, and colors each year so that batik becomes more varied and interesting.
That concludes my statement in this auspicious opportunity and by saying bismillahirrahmanirrahim, I officially open Gelar Batik Nusantara this morning.
I thank you.
Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
(DH/RAS)