AKP Phnom Penh, May 22, 2022 --

The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Phnom Penh are introducing batik and wire-wrapped jewelry in Cambodia by organising two important workshops as part of Indonesia's socio-cultural diplomacy.

The two workshops – Batik Workshop and Wire-Wrapped Jewelry Workshop were officially opened this morning in Siem Reap province.

In his opening remarks, H.E. Sudirman Haseng, Indonesian Ambassador to Cambodia said Batik for the Indonesian people is not only a cultural heritage, but has become a creative industry that supports millions of people, has markets and fans from various economic levels and various ages, and from various corners of Indonesia to foreign nations.

On the other hand, he continued, the art of wire-wrapping jewelry is the art of making jewelry that has existed since ancient times before the discovery of modern welding or adhesive techniques, by interlocking wire wrapped around gemstones into beautiful jewelry. 

This wire-wrapped jewelry is famous from Indonesia, especially from Yogyakarta, East Java and South Sumatra, and over time, the development of this wire-wrapped jewelry is growing rapidly along with the increasing number of precious stone artisans and spread throughout Indonesia, he added.

“Socio-cultural diplomacy involves among others comprehensive understanding, appreciation, positive perception and knowledge of other culture and society. To achieve this purpose, education is the tool. For Indonesia, Cambodia is our partner, our friend, and our next of kin in the region. Hence, it is important for us to ensure that the young generation of Cambodia who will become the future leaders of this country have comprehensive understanding and knowledge of Indonesia,” he underlined. 

H.E. Ambassador also expressed Indonesia’s readiness to assist Cambodia to develop. “We believe that to build the human resources through education is the essence of assisting Cambodia in developing the country. It will also cement the friendships that will last for a long time,” he said. 

The two workshops will also be held in Phnom Penh capital on May 25.

According to the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, Batik, from the Javanese word amba (wide/large) and titik (dot), which means to make a drawing or writing. The batik technique uses wax which is drawn or stamped on cloth which becomes the resist for colour. On Oct. 2, 2019, batik has been recognised by UNESCO as the Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Thus, Indonesians celebrate Oct. 2 as Hari Batik National or National Batik Day. Batik is used in every Indonesians daily life, from casual to formal wear, and from clothing to decoration. 

Wire-wrapped jewelry is a cold joining metal working (non-solder) technique that uses wire wrapped on the main focal, which is gemstone, to create jewelry. Indonesia is one of the countries which is rich with natural gemstones (including pearls). Using the wire-wrapped techniques, these gemstones are crafted into beautiful jewelry with economical value.

(Photo: Khuth Sao)

By C. Nika