To this end, serious efforts are required in order to accelerate the regeneration of the art of batik. This should be done by cultivating interest and talent among members of the younger generation, so that they would join the batik industryJakarta (ANTARA) - Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita highlighted Indonesian batik's popularity globally as is apparent from the product's presence in several countries to the extent that some are keen to make batik their export commodity.
"The use of batik in the world is becoming popular to the extent that it bears a huge economic potential," he stated while attending the eve of the National Batik Day celebrations held virtually here on Wednesday.
The minister noted that several countries, such as China, Vietnam, and Malaysia, are striving to develop advanced batik printing machines and mimic the design and pattern of Indonesian batik to conquer the markets that Indonesian batik is dominating.
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The increasing popularity of batik in the world coupled with global competition and import clashes are challenges faced by the Indonesian batik industry, according to Kartasasmita.
However, the human resource factor is one hurdle faced by the industry in handling these challenges.
The minister opined that the batik industry required highly skilled and competent human resources to develop design innovations.
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Meanwhile, the number of human resources possessing the required skillsets is very low, with several of them being old.
"To this end, serious efforts are required in order to accelerate the regeneration of the art of batik. This should be done by cultivating interest and talent among members of the younger generation, so that they would join the batik industry," Kartasasmita affirmed.
The Industry Ministry, through the Batik and Crafts Grand Hall, will continue to hold various education, design development, and promotion activities for the development of Indonesian batik and to make it globally competitive.
The ministry recorded that batik exports in 2020 were valued at US$532.7 million, while US$157.8 million was clocked during the first quarter of 2021.
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Translator: Sella Gareta, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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