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Lawmaker to promote traditional ‘ulos’ as world heritage
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Spools of thread dyed with natural dried fruits and tree bark are seen with ulos (traditional Batak fabric). (JP/File)
H
ouse of Representatives deputy speaker Agus Hermanto plans to promote ulos (traditional Batak cloth) to the world and hopes it will be declared part of Indonesia's national heritage in order to protect and preserve its existence.
The plan to take ulos, traditional fabrics from North Sumatra’s Batak ethnic group, to the world stage was in line with the upcoming Ulos Day celebration on Oct. 17 in Medan, where an ulos collection would be showcased, Agus said on Wednesday.
"We should push for ulos to be regarded as part of world heritage that it is owned by Indonesia, not other countries," Agus told journalists following a meeting with the Ulos Day committee.
He said he planned to meet with related institutions, especially the directorate general of culture under the Culture and Education Ministry, to strengthen efforts to promote ulos both nationally and internationally.
Agus added that he would meet with House Commission X overseeing tourism, art and culture to discuss the matter.
He hoped other traditional fabrics from regions across Indonesia, such as handwoven tenun ikat, would also gain worldwide attention in the future as examples of national heritage. (bbn)
