“American batik” Design Competition

On May 6^th, the Indonesian Consulate announced the launch of the “American Batik” Design Competition, a contest searching for the best batik designs that incorporate the American spirit through the use of batik.

The theme of the competition is “the spirit of America in the heritage of A fashion show displaying both traditional batik and batik in urban styles was presented that day. The program continued to explain the process and culture of Indonesia batik.

“Batik” comes from the Javanese and Malay words, amba (to write) and titik (a dot or point). There are two methods of Batik. One is the traditional practice of dying cloth with the wax resist method, and another is using a stamp to create the design.

In October of 2009, UNESCO included Indonesia batik in its list of “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.” The President of Indonesia, Soesilo Bambang Yudhoyono, has since called for the internationalization of batik, and is worn by everyone throughout Indonesia. Batik has become a part of Indonesia’s cultural identity in the world, worn by many famous celebrities and everyday people abroad.

Indonesia Ambassador, Dr. Dino Patti Djalal, launched the competition in hopes of celebrating the new US-Indonesia partnership and creating a fusion of culture. He believes that “the 21^st century will be an era of confluence and fusion between cultures.

Mr. Fiki Otanio

This is a perfect time for the rich heritage of Indonesia batik to meet American contemporary designs.” The main purpose of the competition is to challenge US-based designers to craft batik designs with a distinct American style. A joint panel of American and Indonesian artists will select the three best batik designs, and the winning designer will receive prize money, a two week batik tour to Indonesia, and

Mr.Timbul Situmorang

a commercial contract with an Indonesian batik design house.

The contest is open to all U.S. citizens over the age of 16, whether they are amateur or professional. To participate please submit your creative design by August 1^st, 2011. If you would like more information please visit www.embassyofindonesia.org or email to batik@embassyofindonesia.org.