Ministry of Creative Economy Appreciates the Exhibition “Three Generations of Works: Batik Is Not Just Fabric but a Historical Journey”

Jakarta, 25 July 2025 – The Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency expressed its appreciation for the Oey Soe Tjoen Batik collection as the oldest fine hand-drawn batik that is frequently sought after by international collectors. Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar also encouraged young-generation batik artisans to preserve cultural heritage and enhance quality within the creative industry through batik.

“This is an extraordinary moment where the creative economy and culture are closely interconnected. We consistently instill cultural diplomacy so that everyone recognizes batik as originating from Indonesia, and that every motif carries a distinct story. Especially through this Three Generations Exhibition, there are 90 pieces of batik cloth whose works we can appreciate,” said Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar while attending the opening of the Three Generations of Works Exhibition Over 100 Years at Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM), Jakarta, Friday (25/07/2025).

Oey Soe Tjoen Batik (OST Batik) records Indonesian history through various motifs influenced by Javanese culture, Peranakan Chinese, European, Asian, and Arab elements since 1925 in Kedungweni, Pekalongan. Officially marking its 100th year, the long journey of the OST batik brand has become recognized as one of Indonesia’s cultural heritages.

“Batik is not merely a piece of fabric, but a historical journey. We can see how the evolution of various cultures is reflected within a single batik cloth. Let us remember this moment as something sacred. Let us spread batik from Indonesia to the world through batik diplomacy,” added Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar.

The Three Generations of Works Exhibition over 100 Years provides an opportunity for batik enthusiasts to witness the diversity of captivating motifs and colors. Fine hand-drawn batik, which is increasingly rare, must have its stories of beauty preserved from generation to generation. The Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency also remains committed to providing protection for hand-drawn batik through the assurance of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR).

Doc. Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency

“Today, I see this as a step into history and progression, batik that evolves with the times. Through this exhibition, I observe consistency in batik fabrics created across three generations, with each generation having its own uniqueness and authenticity from each batik artisan. My favorite is the butterfly motif batik with pink tones,” said Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar.

As part of the 100-year series of Rumah Batik OST, creative economy stakeholders can directly view and experience the Oey Soe Tjoen Batik Exhibition at Emiria Soenassa Gallery, TIM, from 25 July to 3 August 2025. This year’s exhibition theme, Steadfastness in Caring for Heritage, signifies that a piece of batik cloth holds the potential for diplomacy and the evolution of Indonesian culture, enabling younger generations to preserve and promote Indonesia’s distinctive batik globally.

“Heritage is not merely an object, but can also take the form of stories of struggle, dedication, love, and honor that can inspire future generations, as reflected through the motifs of Oey Soe Tjoen batik,” explained Widianti Widjaja, the third-generation manager of Rumah Batik OST.

During the event, Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar was accompanied by Deputy Minister for Cultural Creativity and Design Yuke Sri Rahayu and Director of Crafts Neli Yana. Also present were hand-drawn batik collector Sugijanto Herman Soetòpo and Indonesian batik enthusiasts.

Kiagoos Irvan Faisal

Acting Head of the Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency