The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Ukraine organized 'Batik Day'
The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Ukraine, together with the National Academy of Leadership in Culture and Arts, has held a gala reception in Kyiv to mark National Batik Day, recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
The event was attended by approximately 150 guests, including representatives of the diplomatic corps, government agencies, students, and the scientific community.
In his welcoming remarks, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Indonesia to Ukraine Arief Muhammad Basalamah noted that batik is not just a fabric, but a cultural heritage that embodies the history, values, and identity of the Indonesian people.
"Batik is a story of harmony, creativity, and wisdom passed down through generations. By wearing batik, we carry within ourselves the values and identity that have been woven for centuries," the diplomat emphasized.
Rector of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Indonesia, Valeriy Marchenko, congratulated the Indonesian delegation and presented the ambassador with the title of Honorary Professor of the Academy, noting the importance of cultural exchange and the further development of academic cooperation.
The celebration program included a presentation on batik, dance and vocal performances by students, and the performance of the national anthems of Indonesia and Ukraine on the Ukrainian bandura. An exhibition of batiks and batik-making instruments was organized in the university lobby. The event concluded with a tasting of traditional Indonesian dishes—nasi goreng, mie goreng, bakwan, and kue lumpur.
Diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Indonesia were established on June 5, 1992. The Ukrainian Embassy in Jakarta opened in 1995, and the Indonesian Embassy in Kyiv began operations in 1994.
In recent years, the countries have also been developing cooperation in education, culture, and tourism. In 2024–2025, Indonesia signed two protocols on market access for products of Ukrainian origin—peas and aquatic bioresources—which should stimulate further growth in agricultural trade.