Jakarta (ANTARA) - Batik promotional event "Istana Berbatik" at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta will demonstrate the government's support for batik artisans' efforts to promote their products globally, according to Deputy Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Angela Tanoesoedibjo.

The event, featuring a fashion show with 500 participants, will take place on Sunday. Around 3,000 people have been invited to attend.

"The event will also promote batik to the world in a bid to increase its use in the country and abroad," Tanoesoedibjo said in a statement released on Saturday.

She said that the value of batik exports reached US$64.5 million in 2022, and it is targeted to be increased to US$100 million this year.

She expressed optimism that collaboration between ministries and agencies regarding Indonesia's batik empowerment and promotion would support the achievement of the target.

The collaborative efforts have helped make Indonesian batik popular among young people and world-renowned designers, she added.

Tanoesoedibjo expressed hope that Istana Berbatik would strengthen the message to the world that batik is Indonesia's cultural heritage that is not bound by time, given that UNESCO has recognized batik as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity since October 2, 2009.

Meanwhile, Secretary of the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises, Rabin Indrajad Hattari, emphasized his ministry's commitment to supporting the advancement of activities that are aimed at developing the nation's culture as well as micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

He affirmed that his ministry has already been involved in not only batik promotion, but also the empowerment of batik artisans.

Given the diverse types of batik in Indonesia, it is important to enhance and fortify the image and reputation of batik, he stated.

He said that the ministry will increase its involvement in the empowerment of batik MSMEs and brands, for example, through financing, promotion support, and market access, among other things, so that it would be easier for the batik industry to access foreign markets.

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Translator: Sinta Ambarwati, Raka Adji
Editor: Anton Santoso
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