YOGYAKARTA: Yogyakarta, Indonesia is hosting its Batik Festival from Oct 18 to 24.
The Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP), in a statement, said the event highlights Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage, particularly in textile craft.
“Leading the Sarawak delegation is Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, alongside Datin Sri Zuraini Abdul Jabbar, Deputy Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan, and permanent secretary, Datuk Sherrina Hussaini, along with other representatives from MTCP and its agencies.
“During the event, the delegation had the opportunity to engage in discussions with Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, the Governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta.
“The discussion centered on potential collaborations in batik textile. Sarawak and Indonesia, both regions with deeply rooted indigenous cultures share a common tradition in textiles. Batik plays a significant role in the identity of both Sarawak and Yogyakarta,” MTCP said.
MTCP added that Yogyakarta was awarded as the World’s Batik City in 2014 by the World Craft Council (WCC).
“The special region has preserved its traditional batik-making techniques, which are passed down through generations.
“This includes the ‘Batik Tulis’ (hand-drawn batik) and ‘Batik Cap’ (stamp batik), both of which require skilled craftsmanship and attention to detail.
“Through collaboration, Sarawak and Yogyakarta have the potential to assist one another in areas such as batik techniques, motif design, and preservation efforts, enhancing the cultural and economic value of this traditional art form,” MTCP stated.
The ministry said Yogyakarta’s status as a Unesco-recognised centre for batik amplifies its significance in the global craft industry.
“It can provide Sarawak with unique opportunities to learn from its practices in heritage preservation and knowledge exchange.
“The city’s batik industry stands as a remarkable example of how traditional crafts can not only survive but thrive in the modern economy while retaining their cultural integrity.
“For Sarawak’s craft industry, this experience offers invaluable lessons. Yogyakarta’s successful approach to supporting artisans, while adapting batik to meet contemporary market demands, presents a model that Sarawak can draw inspiration from,” MTCP stated.
The ministry stated the economic sustainability of Yogyakarta’s batik industry is underpinned by artisan support, strategic marketing, and branding.
“These are critical areas where Sarawak can expand its own craft sector by integrating the practices,” it said.
