ICHCAP

From 30 September to 2 October, a series of events celebrating Indonesia’s National Batik Day were held at the headquarters of the World Bank in Washington, D.C. The three-day event was organized to highlight the cultural significance of Indonesian Batik, which was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009, and to celebrate the achievements of Indonesia’s cultural diplomacy to date.

Indonesia’s traditional textile art of Batik is a unique craft that involves applying wax to fabric to create intricate patterns before dyeing. Through its diverse colours and motifs, Batik conveys local histories and identities. Far beyond a dyeing technique, it is regarded as a national symbol and a source of pride for Indonesia. To honour this tradition and its artistic value, the country designates October 2nd as “Hari Batik Nasional” (National Batik Day) every year.

The celebration in Washington featured an exhibition of Batik works and hands-on workshops allowing participants to experience traditional Batik-making techniques. The event also included performances by the Indonesian diaspora arts groups, showcasing Gamelan, Angklung and Kolintang music, along with traditional Indonesian cuisine.

Jointly organized by the Office of the Executive Director for the Southeast Asia Voting Group of the World Bank and the Indonesian Staff Association, the event was supported by the Indonesian community and volunteers from the DMV area as well as the Embassy of Indonesia in Washington, D.C. In his congratulatory remarks, the Indonesian Ambassador to the United States emphasized that “Batik is more than just fabric — it is a living art shaped through centuries of cultural exchange, sustaining the livelihoods of many and symbolizing Indonesia’s national identity.”

Reference : https://lrl.kr/cYBHK