Batik enthusiasts from 14 friendly countries participated in the “Jogja Membatik Dunia” event with the theme “Borderless Batik,” which served as the highlight of the Jogja International Batik Biennale (JIBB) 2023 (26/10), according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
As reported from kemlu.go.id, this event was organized in a hybrid format by the Government of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) and the National Crafts Council of DIY (Dekranasda), in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, in a statement read by the Director of Public Diplomacy, emphasized that Batik is a living art, a local tradition, and a national pride that should be accompanied by a massive campaign involving all components of Indonesian society to make Batik better known and accepted worldwide.
According to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Batik serves as a tool for conducting soft power diplomacy, helping Indonesia strengthen its friendships with countries around the world. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is committed to supporting the efforts of Yogyakarta, as the World Batik City, to promote Batik to various audiences worldwide.
Through the facilitation of the Indonesian Embassies involved, Batik enthusiasts from 10 ASEAN member countries, India, Japan, South Korea, and the People’s Republic of China enthusiastically engaged in live and simultaneous batik practices using canting (a tool for applying hot wax) and wax on cloth that had been patterned.
“Jogja Membatik Dunia,” as the hightlight of JIBB 2023, was organized for the second time by the Government of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) and the National Crafts Council of DIY (Dekranasda) in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The first Jogja Membatik Dunia was held in 2021. JIBB is a biennial event that has been taking place since 2016, following Yogyakarta’s recognition as the World Batik City by the World Crafts Council in 2014.
Source: Tempo