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INDONESIAN Ambassador to Canada Muhsin Syihab described batik as one of Indonesia’s most eloquent forms of diplomacy for introducing the nation’s identity and cultural richness to the world.
“Batik is one of Indonesia’s most eloquent forms of diplomacy. Batik *is* Indonesia; it has been passed down from generation to generation for centuries,” he stated during a reception marking National Batik Day and the 17th anniversary of UNESCO’s recognition of Indonesian batik as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, held at the Indonesian Embassy in Ottawa on Friday (February 10, 2026).
According to a press release from the Indonesian Embassy in Ottawa issued in Jakarta on Saturday, the Ambassador noted that batik is not merely a museum piece but an integral part of Indonesian life—accompanying people from birth to their final farewells—and supports the livelihoods of nearly 200,000 citizens across tens of thousands of small businesses and family enterprises.
On that occasion, he also recalled how Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien and other Asia-Pacific leaders wore batik at the 1994 APEC Summit in Bogor, as did Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the 2023 ASEAN Summit in Jakarta.
Looking ahead to the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Canada in 2027, the Ambassador invited guests to reflect on the philosophy of batik artisans.
“Enduring things are created dot by dot, line by line—with patience, precision, and commitment from both sides,” he said.
Sameer Zuberi, a Canadian Member of Parliament and Co-Chair of the Canada-Indonesia Parliamentary Friendship Group, emphasized the importance of the Batik Day commemoration in deepening the Canadian public’s understanding of Indonesia.
“Batik, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, serves as a beautiful gateway to getting to know Indonesia—not only as an economic partner for Canada but also as a nation with extraordinary cultural richness,” he said. She also highlighted the strengthening ties between the two nations, including through the Indonesia–Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (ICA-CEPA), signed in Ottawa on September 24, 2025.
Meanwhile, Helena Skarcic, Chair of the Association of Ambassadors’ Spouses in Canada, expressed her admiration after learning about the batik-making process, noting that batik is exceptional and suitable for a wide range of occasions.
Approximately 150 guests—including members of the Canadian Parliament, the diplomatic corps from ASEAN and partner nations, business leaders, and various Canadian stakeholders—attended the reception, which was themed “Batik: From Indonesia to the World.”
The reception featured a performance by the Indonesia Canadian Angklung Society (ICAS) and a fashion show titled “The Ageless Runway: Batik Across Generations,” showcasing 12 heirloom fabrics from various regions of Indonesia, including Yogyakarta, Surakarta, Banyumas, Cirebon, Lasem, Madura, and Papua. [antaranews]
