TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Several delegations presenting in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in New York, Tuesday, May 7, donned Indonesia’s traditional textile, batik, as a form of respect that the country holds the Presidency of UNSC for May 2019.

The meeting participants were seen wearing batik that came from their collection either given as a gift by Indonesian delegations or self-purchase when they visited the archipelago.

The presence of batik in the UNSC session was expected to popularize batik further. Batik has been recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as the world’s intangible cultural heritage.

Acknowledging that batik is popular worldwide, Batik Indonesia Foundation holds a batik exhibition titled Gelar Batik Nusantara. The organizing committee head, Wida D Herdiawan, said that batik is developing with no limit. It is not only be seen as traditional clothing, but also accessories, ornament, up to home interiors, and others.

“Besides, batik that is initially a native Javanese culture has developed in other regions too. Now we know batik of Sumatra, Ambon, Papua, and a few other regions,” said Wida in a press conference in Jakarta, Wednesday, May 8.

She pointed out, Sumatra batik that has typical motive and characteristics representing the region is different than Javanese batik.

Therefore, the exhibition theme is “Lestari Tak Terbatas” that literally means limitless sustainability to show the dynamic growth of batik in various regions.

“Batik is also used as daily clothing both for youth and old generations,” she remarked.

It is a fashion statement for many, and as time changes, the industry requires adjustment to produce masterpieces with enormous relevant and up-to-date motives.

Batik Indonesia Foundation collaborated with several youth communities, fashion design schools, and Putra Putri Batik Nusantara in the 11th batik exhibition in a bid to attract millennials to be proud of batik. The event takes place in Jakarta Convention Center (JCC) on May 8-12, 2019.

ANTARA