Minister: Batik Has Extraordinary Power Of Culture

Pekalongan, C Java, Oct 3 (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Hatta Rajasa has said that Indonesia`s traditional cloth batik has extraordinary cultural value, apart from its economic value, which is something that the people should be aware of. "There is no doubt that batik has the power of culture and creativity, which is why not everyone is able to create it," Rajasa said at the opening of the Week of Nusantara Batik here on Wednesday. Rajasa added that the hand-made patterns in batik contain a remarkable power as they deliver messages on the value of humanity to the society. "Batik has some kind of `magical power`, which is why I ask that all of us should integrate batik into our daily lives," he said. Some regions in Indonesia have different batik patterns and unique cultural characteristics, according to the minister "For instance, `Jlamprang` pattern will have different designs according to the region," said Rajasa. Therefore, the Minister asked people to preserve the legacy of batik. He also said that people should not bargain while buying batik cloth if they really appreciate the value and creative process of the batik artists. Batik was recognised by UNESCO as being part of intangible world heritage from Indonesia, on October 2, 2009. The Indonesian government has asked all Indonesians to wear batik on Friday and wearing batik every Friday has also been encouraged in all government offices and private companies ever since the UNESCO recognition. The existence and use of batik was first recorded in the 12th century and the textile has since become a strong source of identity for Indonesians.