Kuwait Times

Indonesian Batik expo opens at Al-Sadu society

- By Ben Garcia

Atwo-day expo showcasing ‘Indonesian Batik;’ an Indonesian weaving and cloth dying technique, took place recently at Al-Sadu Society in Kuwait City. The event was inaugurate­d by Indonesian Ambassador to Kuwait Tatang Budie Utama Razak and many ASEAN ambassador­s. On the sideline of the exhibition, Indonesian Ambassador Tatang said such an event being organized by the embassy in Kuwait strengthen­s bilateral cooperatio­n with the host country.

“We know that the Sadu House facilitate­s the exhibition. Batik is not only a cultural heritage but also part of our lifestyle. There are more than 5,000 models and motifs already recognized by UNESCO. So, this is part of our job to promote our culture and then work together with the Sadu House. Last year, we collaborat­ed with National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) for cultural performanc­e and this year with Sadu House for cultural exhibition,” he said.

Batik is both an art and a craft. It is a traditiona­l textile of Indonesia. The art of decorating batik using wax and dye has been practiced by Indonesian people for centuries, especially the province of Java, wherein they are recognized as the center and heart of the finest batik in the world today. Sheikha Bibi Duaj Al-Sabah, the chairwoman of Sadu Society lauded Indonesian Embassy for the wonderful exhibition. Those who would like to see the display of original batik from Indonesia can visit the venue located next to Kuwait Museum and Kuwait National Library.

“We have been hosting events organized by different embassies with different textile arts and giving them a platform to showcase what they have to offer as artistic endeavors and as a country,” Sheikha Bibi mentioned. “This time we collaborat­ed with the Indonesia Embassy. The even mainly exhibits a fashion show with a live demonstrat­ion workshop and it also shows how to use traditiona­l textiles in modern setting.”

According to Sheikha Bibi, such expo of beautiful batik from Indonesia is a demonstrat­ion of openness and great character of Indonesian people. The embassy is also providing two batik workshops (one was done yesterday and one is set for today from 10:00 am - 4:30 pm) at Al-Sadu Society led by batik experts Sri Eka Suryantini­ngsin, a graduate of Faculty of Art and Design, and Saftiyanin­gsin Ken Atik, a graduate of textile design at Institute of Technology in Bandung, Indonesia.

 ?? — Photos by Joseph Shagra ??
— Photos by Joseph Shagra
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