I

t was all batik on the night before the main draw of the 2011 Djarum Indonesia Open Superseries Premier badminton championships.

The Tuesday night welcome party for all shuttlers participating in the US$600,000 tournament, looked similar to Indonesia’s Friday office hours with most partygoers including players wearing batik clothing.

The Javanese-themed party was held by the pool at Hotel Sultan in Central Jakarta. All participating athletes and VIPs, such as the Indonesian Olympics Committee (KOI) chairwoman Rita Subowo and fashion designer Oscar Lawalata, were seen mingling at the event.

Others chose to enjoy the international dishes by the poolside.

World No. 1 and top seed in the event Lee Chong Wei gave extra credit to the host country in organizing the dinner party with local flavor.

“I think it’s good that Indonesia holds this gathering to promote its culture, especially for first-timer shuttlers at the Indonesia Open,” Chong Wei said at the party on Tuesday evening, lauding Indonesia for upgrading the annual tournament in both prize money and court quality.

Lee and nine other shuttlers wore batik (Indonesian traditional hand-made clothing) shirts or dresses by Oscar Lawalata.

“The batik shirt is OK,” Lee said with a smile.

Oscar, a prominent young fashion designer, said he produced five shirts and five dresses for the athletes.

“I was asked to create those clothes about a month and a half ago. I agreed because I’d like to promote Indonesian culture through sports,” said the 33-year-old.

“Most European athletes like the batik,” he added.

The revelers were entertained by MCs wearing Arjuna and Srikandi costumes (both famous characters in the Mahabrata Indonesian-style puppet show epic), and dancing.

Meanwhile, some athletes had the opportunity to make their own shuttlecocks.

World No. 5 in men’s singles Peter Hoeg Gade and world number nine Tine Baun of Denmark seemed to be getting serious.

“We were a little slow to make the shuttlecocks,” said Gade.

Meanwhile when Baun was asked on whether making shuttlecocks or playing badminton was easier, she said “I’m glad I play [badminton].”

The gathering ended with Lotte Jonathans of the Netherlands winning a dangdut dance competition.