Expert Deems Parang Batik Cloth Giveaway by Jokowi Unnecessary
2 June 2015 10:40 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo and his family are set to give Parang Batik cloth to journalists as uniform when reporting his son’s wedding. However, the motive is deemed to be improper to be used in marital event as it dons the philosophy of war weaponry.
National ethnic cloth expert, Tuty Cholid, said that the "Parang" motive represents the spirit of not giving up. The oldest batik motive also depicts solid relation, self improvement, welfare, and family bond.
However, Tuty said that Batik Parang can only be used by kings and their family. "In ancient times, not everyone is allowed to wear Batik Parang," she told Tempo. "Batik Parang is commonly used during royal and religious events in Yogyakarta and Solo Palace."
Therefore, Tuty suspected that Jokowi’s family had no idea of the meaning of Batik Parang before giving it away to journalist. Instead, Jokowi meant to appreciate the motive. "[He] was also attempting to promote Batik," she said.
PRAGA UTAMA