The Jakarta Cultural Department held an Artisan Batik Exhibition at the Textile Museum, K.S. Tubun Street, Palmerah, West Jakarta, from October 5–19, 2023.

Head of the Jakarta Art Museum Management Unit, Sri Kusumawati, said the exhibition was held to commemorate National Batik Day on October 2.

In addition, it is a form of appreciation for the work and dedication of Batik Artisans, who contribute to the sustainability of Batik in Indonesia. An artisan is a person who is an expert in making handicraft goods.

"This exhibition features 80 batik works from 21 artisans such as Iwan Tirta, Yahya Adi Sutikno, Catur Wijayanto, Gorka, Afif Syakur, Sortoyo Slamer and Liem Ping Wie," she said, Thursday (5/10).

She said that the batik displayed in this exhibition was the exclusive work of the artisans. This means there is only one piece for one story theme.

"This exhibition is organized together with Yayasan Batik Indonesia (YBI), Kemenristek, and others," she said.

According to Sri, besides the Batik collection, the exhibition is also enlivened by artisan seminars and batik workshops for students with disabilities.

"This exhibition can be enjoyed by visitors from Tuesday to Sunday starting at 9 A.M - 3 P.M," she explained.

Coordinator of the Museum and Gallery of the Ministry of Research and Technology's Cultural Heritage Museum, Pustanto, added that exhibitions like this need to be appreciated because they provide opportunities for the public to learn about the diversity of Indonesian Batik.

"This exhibition is a form of synergy between parties who both care about the existence of Indonesian Batik," he said.

He hopes that this synergy can continue to be established so that the works of Indonesian Batik remain sustainable and the artisans are independent in preserving this world-recognized intangible cultural heritage.

"Hopefully many visitors will come to enjoy these works," he said.

Source: beritajakarta.id