Masterpiece Heritage of Indonesia: Reasons You Must Proud of Batik

Joko Widodo, president of Indonesia, is often seen wearing batik on almost every occasion. He said that he is a big fan of batik. In addition, he said "batik is Indonesian identity that is now well known in worldwide". Besides, at the opening ceremony of Our Ocean Conference in Bali (29/10/2018), Minister of Maritime and Fisheries Affairs, is also seen wearing batik with fish pattern, she proudly said "this batik pattern is as a proof of our commitment in an effort to preserve the sea". 

On the other hand, Anne Avantie sees batik beyond its look as an outfit, for her, batik can be the reason for Indonesian to love Indonesia more. As almost everyone said that batik is Indonesian identity, I do think the same! However, it is more than identity for me, it is something called as a masterpiece, an art which has deepest story on every pattern drawn.

Batik, both art and craft, they have unique stories behind and has been declared as Masterpieces of The Oral and The Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO since 2009. Beyond that, each pattern drawn is made for the purpose of do'a: infants carried in batik slings decorated with certain motifs designed to bring the child luck and dead body shrouded in batik Slobog as a hope that the spirits could get ease in the journey to God.

Along the times, batik now is well known as a fashionable garment that could be worn for any occasion, formal or even daily wear. On top of that, millennials now are proud wearing batik ever since today's local brand offered various batik design with elegant and simple look. Here some reasons that probably can enhance your pride in batik!

1. The design tells a story and philosophy

Every batik designed has a story behind. It is a visual communication which communicates good things. There are some motifs that tell a very high civilization of the archipelago, there are also messages about humanity, leadership, love and so on. 

Sometimes Indonesian doesn't recognize the philosophy behind batik they worn, that might lead them to wear a wrong batik pattern for some occasions. Knowing this thing can probably enhance your love to batik. 

1. Indonesian Pride and Identity

When you wear batik, people will notice that you are Indonesian or may be, if you do look like foreigners, people will think you've ever visited Indonesia. Foreigner sees batik as a beautiful garment craft that has special meaning on each motif and also has various motifs and color. 

As Vassily Nebenzia, Permanent Representative of Russia to the United Nations said "I love Batik before, we're looking batik is much more elegant than we look on a normal day they have always". If Vassily said do, we have to prouder, right?

1. Batik penetrated into worldwide market

Batik was first worldwide introduced by Suharto when he attended the United Nations Conference and at that time, he worn batik. Other than its introduction through Suharto, Nelson Mandela, Former President of South Africa, also involved in introducing batik to worldwide since he kept wearing batik during his official meetings. Now, we all can easily involve to make batik well known worldwide by wearing it, loving it and proud of it. Keep that good! 

So, what's your reason for not wearing Batik? ;)