FIRST LADY CALLS FOR REGENERATION IN BATIK CRAFTSMANSHIP

Jakarta, Aug 26 (ANTARA) - First Lady Ani Yudhoyono has called on all parties to expedite the regeneration of traditional batik craftsmen and women so as to preserve the craft as part of the nation's cultural legacy.

"It is a pity that batik development does not happen hand in hand with the regeneration of traditional batik craftspeople. Doing batik work actually needs patience but the skill can be bequeathed to the younger generation," Ani Yudhoyono said here on Wednesday.

The first lady made the call at a function to open a Nusantara (archipelagic) Batik Show, organized by the Indonesian Batik Foundation (YBI).

She said the younger generation should be immediately involved in the development of batik craftsmanship so that they can keep the craft alive and even make masterpieces themselves, prevent batik from being claimed by other countries.

"UNESCO itself has asked Indonesia to ensure regeneration in the craft as a precious world cultural heritage," the first lady said.

In her opening address, the fist lady said the batik show this time was a reflection of batik creation and development as part of Indonesian culture from generation to generation.

"This show is expected to increase the love of Indonesian younger generation to love wearing batik," Ani Yudhoyono said.

On the occasion, the first lady presented an appreciation to five women who have been diligently making batik since their young age up to the present, namely Ibu Abdul Bari of Bantul, Ibu Ipoh Latipoh of Tasikmalaya, Ibu Enoh of Tasikmalaya, Ibu Etin of Cirebon, and Ibu Dasimah of Bantul.

A total of 400 companies across the country participated in the show which is to last until August 30, 2009.

The opening ceremony of the batik fair was also marked with a fashion show with female ministers, wives of United Indonesia Cabinet ministers, Indonesian female ambassadors, and the wives of foreign ambassadors as the models.

Besides Ani Yudhoyono, National Education Ministry's Director General Muhammad also gave an appreciation to nine district heads and mayors who permitted schools in their regions to apply batik-making extracurricular.

Present at the opening ceremony were Regional Representatives Council (DPD) chairman Ginanjar Kartasasmita, Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu, Culture and Tourism Minister Jero Wacik, and Jakarta Governor Fauzi Bowo.