TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo complimented Bali Governor I Wayan Koster for issuing a regulation that requires regional officials to wear Balinese traditional clothes every Tuesday and Thursday. According to him, this policy proved the local government’s support for the development of small songket or traditional woven fabric industry.

“This will encourage creative industries. Especially, [the industry of] handmade songket can develop,” said the President as broadcast on the Presidential Secretariat’s YouTube channel on Thursday, February 2, 2023.

During his second-day visit to Bali, he visited the Jembrana Weaving Center and learned about various types and patterns of Balinese songket.

“I want to express my gratitude for the appreciation and welcome from the people of Jembrana Regency, which is my first visit here. And I also really appreciate what the Regent has done and is supported by Bali Governor in developing woven fabrics,” Jokowi remarked.

Bali Governor I Wayan Koster has obliged city officials to wear regional traditional clothing since 2018. At that time, the rule was stipulated in the Bali Governor’s Regulation No. 79 of 2018.

Three years later, Wayan issued Circular No. 4 of 2021 on the mandatory use of Balinese Endek woven fabrics. He said the regulation was aimed at preserving, protecting, using, and empowering creative cultural heritage as the identity of the Balinese people.

The Circular is specifically addressed to heads of institutions, higher education leaders, regents/mayors, heads of regional apparatuses, heads of state and regional-owned enterprises, leaders of private companies, and leaders of organizations throughout Bali.

M JULNIS FIRMANSYAH

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