GOVT TO KEEP WATCH ON IMPORTED BATIK IN DOMESTIC MARKETS

Jakarta, Feb 4 (ANTARA) - Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu said here Thursday the government would keep an eye on foreign-made batik entering the country`s domestic markets.

"The government keeps monitoring the entry of foreign batik textile products for the sake of protecting Indonesians` intellectual property rights, and the domestic and overseas markets of Indonesian batik," she said.

Speaking to newsmen on the sidelines of the opening of the Batik Nusantara Center at Thamrin City here, Pangestu said Indonesia`s batik exports were expected to rise in the future.

The rise of Indonesian batik exports would be the result of the increasing popularity of the traditional textile among Indonesians and foreigners, she said.

"Batik can enliven Indonesia`s brand image. It has also become popular in Africa after former South African leader Nelson Mandela introduced it."

"Batik exports are expected to keep rising though its biggest market will remain in Indonesia," Pangestu said.

According to Trade Ministry data, Indonesian batik exports in the period 2004-2008 showed a positive trend except in 2005.

Indonesia gained 34.2 million US dollars from its batik exports in 2004 but the amount declined to 12.43 million dollars in 2005.

The income steadily increased again in 2006. In 2008, batik textiles contributed 32.27 million dollars to the country`s income.

Among the main markets of Indonesian batik are the United States, Belgium, France, United Kingdom and Germany.

In October 2009, Indonesian batik was recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage.