On October 2nd every year, Indonesia celebrates National Batik Day. This date was chosen as a moment to commemorate the recognition of Indonesian Batik as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2009. It marks an international acknowledgment of the beauty and cultural value of Indonesian Batik, which has gained a positive image worldwide.
During the commemoration of National Batik Day in 2023, Mrs. Hj. Wury Ma'ruf Amin, Chairperson of the National Crafts Council (Dekranas), expressed her support for enhancing education among the public, especially the younger generation, about the diversity of Indonesian Batik. She was pleased with the efforts made by the Batik Indonesia Foundation in educating the public about the diversity of Indonesian Batik.
At the Peak Celebration of National Batik Day 2023, held at the Museum of Batik Indonesia in Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, East Jakarta, Mrs. Hj. Wury Ma'ruf Amin expressed her hope that the younger generation could learn the values and philosophy embedded in Nusantara Batik. She wanted the younger generation not only to enjoy wearing Batik but also to understand and study the meaning and philosophy behind each Batik motif.
In addition to delivering a message to the younger generation, Mrs. Hj. Wury Ma'ruf Amin also encouraged Batik artisans and industry players in Indonesia to continually improve their skills and the quality of Batik. She hoped that they could produce high-quality Batik with strong competitiveness that would be sought after by consumers.
In her address, Mrs. Hj. Wury Ma'ruf Amin expressed her pride in Indonesian Batik, which has achieved international recognition. Despite being known worldwide, she emphasized that Batik belongs to Indonesia. She stated, "Batik can go global, but it still belongs to Indonesia." This underscores the importance of preserving and safeguarding the authenticity of Indonesian Batik.
Throughout its historical journey, Indonesian Batik has gone through various exhibitions, showcases, and fashion shows, even at the international level. Batik has become a source of pride and a national asset for Indonesia. However, in the effort to preserve Batik, Mrs. Hj. Wury Ma'ruf Amin also acknowledged that Batik must remain relevant to the times. Therefore, the effort to understand, appreciate, and develop Batik as part of the national cultural heritage must continue.
On the same occasion, Mrs. Hj. Wury Ma'ruf Amin expressed her appreciation for the initiative of the Batik Indonesia Foundation, which collaborated with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbud Ristek), the Museum of Indonesia, and other stakeholders who supported the organization of the Peak Celebration of National Batik Day in 2023.
In the course of the event, Mrs. Hj. Wury Ma'ruf Amin also extended her congratulations on commemorating National Batik Day 2023 and invited the public to continue preserving Nusantara Batik. She said, "Happy National Batik Day 2023. Let's work together to reaffirm our commitment to Indonesian Batik."
The Peak Celebration of National Batik Day in 2023 has the theme "Batik Rises" and aims to revive the spirits of Batik artisans and industry players who were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. With this theme, it is hoped that Batik artisans can resume their activities and creativity after facing economic challenges due to the pandemic.
Nadiem Anwar Makarim, Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Mendikbud Ristek), also expressed his commitment to preserving and developing the heritage of Indonesian Batik. He stated that Batik is the most powerful symbol of Indonesia's diversity, and it is truly extraordinary.
Mendikbud Ristek is committed to enhancing the quality of the Museum of Batik Indonesia and all cultural heritages specific to the archipelago. This effort aims to ensure that Indonesia's cultural heritage remains relevant to the changing times and can provide solutions to various challenges.
As a closing act, Mrs. Hj. Wury Ma'ruf Amin demonstrated the process of "canting" Batik, marking the Peak Celebration of National Batik Day in 2023. The event was attended by representatives of friendly foreign countries, members of the Solidarity Action Organization of the Indonesia Maju Cabinet Era (OASE-KIM), officials and members of the Batik Indonesia Foundation, as well as representatives of Batik industry players from across the archipelago.
The commemoration of National Batik Day this year aims to rekindle the spirit of Batik artisans and industry players in Indonesia and remind all components of the nation of the importance of preserving Indonesian Batik as one of the national cultural heritages that must be preserved. In this commemoration, Batik is regarded as a symbol of Indonesia's cultural richness that deserves to be safeguarded and developed.
