[Sunday Times=Chris Lee Reporter]Aptly titled “Buy Batik, Wear the Art and Respect the Artist”, the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Seoul hosted the first integrated batik virtual showcase in Korea and succeeded in achieving transactions of more than IDR 1 billion (November 29, 2020). The Indonesian World Record Museum (Museum Rekor Indonesia/MURI) recognized this achievement and bestowed an award to Ambassador Umar Hadi. More than 6,500 viewers watched the online event broadcasted in digital platforms. Jaya Suprana, founder of Indonesian World Record Museum said that “We present the award for the outstanding achievement of the first Embassy in the world to carry out a virtual showcase well as selling batik online.”
In his welcoming remarks, Ambassador Umar Hadi stated that the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the livelihoods of Batik-producing micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Unprecedented time calls for unprecedented measure. Therefore, Indonesian Embassy is collaborating with the Indonesian Batik Foundation (YBI), two well-known Indonesian designers, Novita Yunus and Ai Syarif and Miss Universe Indonesia 2020 to assist batik artist that affected by the COVID-19 pandemic selling their products. The main aim is not only targeted to boost retail sales but also strive to achieve a contract sales system.
As the world is ushering into 2021 as the International Year of Creative Economy in which Indonesia will host the 2nd World Conference on Creative Economy, the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul is the first Indonesian Mission in abroad that form a new division, assigned to specifically dealing with the creative and digital economy. This new function is tasked with handling the promotion of Indonesia’s creative economy sector, including 17 sub-sectors, including batik and fashion, as well as its access to digital platforms in South Korea. The Embassy has also facilitated talks between participating designers in the event with a handmade-based online platform in South Korea. Another target is also to feature Batik at Dongdaemun Desain Plaza, the design industry icon in South Korea in 2021.
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, H.E. Mr Airlangga Hartarto and Mrs. Yanti Airlangga, Chairlady of Indonesian Batik Foundation, delivered a special message at the virtual event. Coordinating Minister Airlangga underlined the exemplary initiative by Indonesian Embassy in Seoul in order to restore the national economy. Mrs Airlangga expressed her hope that other Indonesian Missions would follow up this initiative to provide direct support to Batik MSMEs.
For the very first time, Indonesian Embassy in Seoul in collaboration with Indonesian Batik Foundation also presented “Indonesian Batik Ambassador” award for the distinguished personalities from various fields for their actions in promoting Batik, namely Mr. Kim Jhi Yong, President Director of Posco Krakatau; Mr. Lee Kang Hyun, Vice President of Hyundai Motor Asia Pacific Headquarter; Mr. Lee Chang Hyun, President Director of LG International Indonesia; Mr. Kang Jong Won, President Director of Lotte Chemical Indonesia; Mr. Park Jong Jin, CEO of PT. Hana KEB Bank Indonesia; Mrs. Daisy Park, Country Manager of Visit Indonesia Tourism Office VITO and Miss Han Yoo Ra, an influencer.
The Integrated Batik Diplomacy event consisted of three segments, namely: Batik business matchmaking, Batik Fashion and Talk shows, and Instagram live batik hunting. The presence of Puteri Indonesia 2020, Rr. Ayu Maulida Putri, Mrs. Sari Agus Suparmanto (spouse of Trade Minister) and Mrs. Coreta Louise Putut Bayuseno from the Indonesian Batik Foundation made the event even more lively. Female ambassadors and ambassadors of some countries in Seoul have also graced the event by attending and active at the direct live sales. Indonesian Diaspora in South Korea, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies and Busan University of Foreign Studies students also added to the excitement of the event.
저작권자 ⓒ선데이타임즈, 무단전재 및 재배포 금지