Maksum Nur Fauzan

Colorful batik was showcased by 300 participants from across the nation on the streets of Surakarta, Central Java, for the Solo Batik Carnival on July 14.

The event chose Ika Paramartha as the main theme. The word ika was taken from Indonesia’s national motto Bhinneka

Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity), while paramartha represents the good things that bind the country together.

The carnival, which is on the Tourism Ministry’s list of “100 Wonderful Events in Indonesia”, further cements Surakarta’s status as the city of batik.

The carnival’s coordinator Ragowo Ade Kurniawan said that this year, the event focused on batik from all regions of the country, not just Surakarta.

The event featured designs from the Lenggang Batavia (Jakarta), Jawa Dwipa (Java), Nagari Minangkabau (Sumatra), Mapalili Mamiri (Sulawesi), Dayak Borneo (Kalimantan), Tiara Dewata (Bali), Sasando Timor (Nusa Tenggara) and Tana Sajojo (Papua) cultural groups.

The carnival was also marked with a performance by renowned singer Trie Utami, who sang her hit songs while participants graced a catwalk.

After a fashion show at Sriwedari Stadium, the participants formed a 4-kilometer procession toward Vastenburg Fort, attracting thousands of people who wanted to catch a glimpse of ondel-ondel (giant Betawi effigies) or traditional dances performed by the participants.