Solo, C. Java (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has asked everyone to strengthen the commitment to preserving batik, as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has evaluated its recognition to it as an intangible cultural heritage. "UNESCO has begun evaluation on its recognition (to batik). Therefore, we have to show our hard work in preserving batik. It will need the support of all parties to sustain the UNESCO award," Jokowi said at the commemoration of National Batik Day here Wednesday.
The recognition by UNESCO to batik as the world’s intangible cultural heritage from Indonesia on October 2, 2009, had made all Indonesians proud, he recalled.
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Hence, it would be the responsibility of the people to preserve and develop batik as part of the nation's culture.
"Alhamdulillah (Thank God), the number of batik producers has grown rapidly. Batik is worn by all people, performed with at world class fashion shows, and it also benefits the people," Jokowi added.
"I am glad to hear that high school students here received batik lessons. I asked one of them, they received (batik lesson) three times a week," he said.
Indonesia's achievements in the development of the batik industry have reflected the dedication, sincerity, and passion of craftsmen, artists and businessmen in the field, Jokowi said.
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As many as 500 batik craftsmen took part in the ceremony held at the Mangkunegaran Palace, Solo.
Present at the event among others was Industry Minister Airlangga Hartarto, Minister of State Secretary Pratikno, head of the Financial Service Authority Wimboh Santoso, Deputy Foreign Minister AM Fachir, head of the National Crafts Council Mufidah Jusuf Kalla, and Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo.
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