Textile and Design
Indonesia boasts a rich array of traditional fabrics reflective of its cultural diversity. One of its most well-known textiles is batik, enjoyed worldwide in ready to wear clothing and home décor and considered the ideal gift from Indonesia due to its recognized heritage.
While batik is produced in many southeast Asian countries, Indonesian batik made on the island of Java, is the most coveted given its patterns and quality of workmanship, representing a long history of acculturation influenced by numerous cultures. In October 2009, UNESCO designated Indonesian batik as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. This award was created to help ensure the continuation of such cultural expressions; bestowing it on batik is a testament to its cherished tradition.
In addition to batik, Indonesia offers countless other exotic fabrics specific to a locality’s philosophy and technique. Some of these are among the 33 designs designated by the Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture as part of its cultural heritage including Ikat, Songket and Tenun.