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Batik: The Indonesian Identity





This post is originally posted on Journal Bullets (http://journalbulletunisel.blogspot.com/) and is posted here for educational purposes only.

                                                               
Known for its colourful and unique patterns, the Indonesian batik plays an important role in Indonesian fashion industry. It is commonly worn in various rituals, traditions and celebrations. Passed down from generation to generation, the craft of creating batik is deeply intertwined with the cultural identity of the Indonesian people. Colours and designs are used to express an individual's creativity and spirituality beliefs. 

Although the neighbouring nations like Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines also produce batik, Indonesia is the longest-producing nation within Southeast Asia in recorded history. The fabric which originates from Java, with influences from Chinese, Arabian, and even European acculturations, was seen by UNESCO in October 2009 as a contribution to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) for Humanity. 

Since then, Indonesians have reclaimed batik as a national icon and a core part of the Indonesian identity. Government officials, civil servants, and employees of state owned enterprises, employees of private corporations were also encouraged to wear batik at work. 


Thus, batik has also taken its place on the international stage being used in accessories such as handbags. Public figures such as Bill Gates, Nelson Mandela to Barack Obama, and from Beyoncé Knowles to Jessica Alba, have proudly walked the red carpet wearing a batik. 

Such advancements have influenced international designers from other countries to include batik in their design collections. Notably, the Belgian-American designer Diane von Furstenberg’s batik dress worn by the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton, while Angelina Jolie was seen wearing a batik dress by US designer Nicole Miller.


By Erica Pamela

Angelina in Nicole Miller

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