VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

VOINews, Jakarta  - The Indonesian Embassy in Suva and the Fiji Arts Council along with local designer Rosie Emberson Semisi held a Batik Week Workshop (25-26/10).

The two-day batik making workshop was attended by more than 70 participants from various backgrounds. Batik Week provided an opportunity for participants to learn about the art of batik and cultural exchange.

The event showcased the rich and diverse cultural traditions of Fiji and Indonesia.

The batik workshop was hosted by Venny Alamsyah from Batik House Indonesia, who shared her expertise in the art of batik. Participants were taught traditional batik-making techniques and given the opportunity to improvise on their own Batik motifs.

Batik Week closed with Batik Night at the Museum, an evening of cultural entertainment along with a batik exhibition.

In addition to the Batik exhibition, the Indonesian Embassy in Suva collaborated with the Fiji Arts Council, which displayed the work of local craftsmen making Masi (paintings on dried bark with typical Fijian motifs) and clay pots. The artisans were also given the opportunity to do a demonstration of Masi making.

The entertainment evening was attended by workshop participants, corps diplomats, art lovers, and others. There were dance and angklung performances by the Indonesian Ladies, and music by Dolce Sound.

Closing the event, Ambassador Dupito D. Simamora advised that Bula and Batik become a symbol of the Vuvale Partnership between Fiji and Indonesia.

This is one of the main reasons why batik week was organized in partnership with the Fiji Arts Council.

Cross-cultural collaboration based on mutual respect and trust as an example of cooperation between two friendly Pacific countries.

Ambassador Supito invited participants to share the beauty of Batik and Bula with the world.

On the same occasion Maciusela Raitaukala, Director of the Fiji Arts Council, expressed her gratitude and appreciation to everyone who made Batik Week a success.

Batik Week became a wonderful opportunity for participants to learn about the art of batik and engage in cross-cultural exchange and learning. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)