Indonesian Batik

Malaysian Batik and Bahasa Malaysia

On October 2, 2009 UNESCO officially adds Indonesian batik to its list of "Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity".

The list comprises of 76 elements which includes the Tango of Argentina and Uruguay, the traditional Ainu dance of Japan and France’s Aubusson tapestries.

Earlier, UNESCO has recognized Keris and Wayang Kulit as part of Indonesia`s cultural heritage. Indonesia has also applied to get Angklung and Gamelan recognized in the near future.

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has called on all Indonesians to wear batik on the day of UNESCO’s decision.

New articles headlines such as "Indonesia dresses up after batik 'victory' over Malaysia" and,

"Get Rid of Malaysia's Claim! Happy Batik Day, Indonesia"

apparently reflects the cultural feud between the two Malay-speaking nations.

While many Indonesians feel that Malaysia plagiarizes its batik techniques and motifs, Indonesian Heritage Society batik expert Judi Achjadi told AFP:

"The focus of this achievement shouldn't be on Malaysia. They have their own batik and this doesn't stop them from promoting theirs."

An excerpt of the same AFP report:

"UNESCO culture specialist Masanori Nagaoka said the recognition for Indonesia's cloth does not mean other countries cannot claim batik, but simply that Indonesia's government went to the trouble to submit a nomination."

Mr Nagaoka was pointing out to the fact that the art of making batik has been around Asia, the Middle East and Africa for as long as we have been using fabrics.

Batik of Indonesia is passion, dedication and art. Malaysian batik hmmm...Wan still can't seem to find a sample that impresses her.

Indonesia has more passion. It is this more intense passion that moves her to remind the world, it is from one of her languages, the word batik originates.

Indonesia's resentment brings out a thorny question: Does Bahasa Malaysia acknowledge batik as a shared culture in the Malay archipelago?

Unfortunately, I don't have the freedom to answer this question here. But apart from nincompoops on top of the food chain, we all know the answer in our hearts.

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