Specialists in Indonesian-style wire-wrapped jewellery and “batik”, a traditional wax-resist dye method for creating designs and patterns on fabric, are looking to train Cambodians in their craft to promote cultural exchange and support the tourism sector.

The Indonesian embassy in Phnom Penh organised two workshops to introduce the two concepts, the first of which took place on May 22 in Siem Reap town, and another set to be held at the embassy on May 25.

“This workshop is aimed to introduce the batik and wire-wrapped jewellery, with participants from the relevant ministries, friends of Indonesia, Indonesian diaspora, Cambodian SMEs [small- and medium-sized enterprises], and also students and trainers from Batik House Indonesia,” the embassy said in a statement.

“Batik, from the Javanese word ‘amba’ – wide or large – and titik – dot, means to make a drawing or writing. The batik technique uses wax which is drawn or stamped on cloth which becomes resistant to colour bleeding.

“On October 2, 2019, batik was recognised by UNESCO as the Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Thus, Indonesians celebrate October 2 as Hari Batik National or National Batik Day. Batik is used in every Indonesians daily life, from casual to formal wear, and from clothing to decoration.

“Wire-wrapped jewellery is a cold joining metal working – non-solder – technique that uses wire wrapped on the main [centrepiece], which is the gemstone, to create jewellery.

“Indonesia is one of the countries which is rich with natural gemstones, including pearls. Using the wire-wrapped techniques, these gemstones are crafted into beautiful jewellery with economical value,” it said.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the May 22 event, Indonesian ambassador Sudirman Haseng underscored that batik was not merely a form of cultural heritage of Indonesians, but an “innovative industry” that supports various markets and millions of people, including patrons of all ages and a multitude of nationalities, according to state media agency Agence Kampuchea Presse (AKP).

He claimed that wire-wrapped jewellery making has been around since ancient times, before the advent of modern soldering and welding processes, and that the practice has long been popular in the archipelago nation, especially in Yogyakarta, East Java and South Sumatra.

This jewellery scene is evolving rapidly as more gemstone artisans across Indonesia dip their toes in the craft, he said.

“Socio-cultural diplomacy provides a broad understanding of cultural and other societal knowledge, and to achieve this goal, education is an important tool. For Indonesia, Cambodia is our partner, friend and brother in the region.

“Therefore, it is important for us to ensure that the next generation of young Cambodians, who will be the country’s future leaders, have a broad understanding of Indonesia,” AKP quoted Sudirman as saying.

The ambassador also indicated Indonesia’s readiness to assist Cambodia in building and developing human resources through education, which he said would be the “essence” of aiding in the development of the Kingdom, improving relations and forging long-lasting partnerships.

Siem Reap provincial deputy governor Neak Neron added that his province has established an alliance with Indonesia’s Central Java province – home to the famous 9th century Borobudur Buddhist temple. Through friendly relations, the two sides have further strengthened and expanded bilateral cooperation, he said, according to AKP.

Neron was optimistic that the workshops would increase cultural knowledge and awareness among the peoples of both countries. He said participants would have the opportunity to practice batik painting and thereby gain a better understanding of Indonesian culture.

Cambodia has a rich and precious artistic tradition that is closely linked to daily life and has elevated the Kingdom to international recognition. “In this vein, art is understood to represent national identity and contribute to the promotion of national honour,” AKP quoted Neron as saying.