President Jokowi Urges Indonesian People to Preserve Batik

Jakarta – The Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) officially opened the Istana Berbatik event at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Sunday evening. The event was held as to commemorate the National Batik Day which falls on October 2.

In his remarks, the President said that Indonesians should be grateful for having Batik. Batik is not only a work of art, but also a world cultural heritage.

"Indonesians must be grateful to have batik, which is not only a work of art, but also a world intangible cultural heritage," the President said as quoted from the YouTube broadcast of the Presidential Secretariat, on Sunday.

The Head of State added: "With symbolism, techniques, and culture that are very much inherent in Indonesia,"

Furthermore, the President invited all Indonesians to be proud, actively preserve batik as the nation's cultural wealth.

"Therefore, through Istana Berbatik event held in commemoration of National Batik Day which falls on October 2, I invite all Indonesian people to increase pride in the richness of Indonesian art and culture and actively preserve batik," the President said. 

During the event, President Widodo and Vice President Ma'ruf Amin were seen wearing patterned batik.

Then, First Lady Iriana Jokowi and Mrs. Wury Estu who accompanied Jokowi and Ma'aru Amin at the event also wore patterned batik with a shawl.

Not only that, Minister Mahfud MD, Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Minister Sandiaga Uno, and many others also attended this event.