Indonesian Art “BATIK” Attracts Huge Appreciation in Lahore @ Punjab University’s Exhibition & Seminar

Lahore: On 19th January 2022, Seminar and Exhibition on ‘’BATIK’’ was held. The event was organized by University College of Arts and Design, University of the Punjab, Lahore in Collaboration with Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad.

His Excellency Adam M. Tugio, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Pakistan was the Chief Guest of the event. The Ambassador stated that, ‘Batik’ is Indonesia’s most developed and ancient art forms, it is an expression through which one can express and convey their inspiration, feelings and message.

He highlighted that this art form can be modified and used with many other art forms, mentioning the example of Pakistani truck art and the art of Pakistan’s provinces, H.E stated that BATIK can be connected to all of them.

Furthermore, to introduce BATIK in Pakistan and to boost cultural connectivity and people to people contact, His Excellency announced a BATIK competition for students of Pakistan.

He emphasized that winners will be invited to Indonesia so they may have a first-hand experience of being trained in BATIK and exploring the culture of Indonesia.

He said, I’m very proud to know that BATIK is already very popular in Pakistan as it is now part of the curriculum of University college of Arts and Design, University of the Punjab, Lahore.

He appreciated the talented young students of the University and was of the view that Pakistani youth has immense talent and potential to excel in different fields and make Pakistan part of the global supply chain.

Prof. Dr. Saleem Mazhar, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, University of the Punjab, Lahore expressed his gratitude to His Excellency Adam M. Tugio for praising the students and motivating them to do more.

Prof. Dr. Sumera Jawad, Principal, University College of Arts and Design, University of the Punjab, Lahore emphasized that students of University College of Arts and Design have worked really hard for the exhibition. She states that they are excited and passionate to further introduce innovative ideas and creative mediums by using BATIK.

Dr. Fozia Hadi, Director, Regional Integration Center (RIC), University of the Punjab, Lahore shared that Batik is not just some piece of art used on a fabric but it is the way of expression about the history, culture, and emotions. She discussed that Pakistan possesses great strength in textiles in terms of exports and the same but manifold strength through exports is witnessed in Indonesia in the Batik industry. Thus, both countries can join hands to work on the fusion of designs.

Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director,  (CGSS), Islamabad expressed his gratitude to His Excellency Adam M. Tugio for always supporting and encouraging young students. He assured the audience that CGSS will be organizing more projects for the exposure and training of students.

Dr. Ansa Mubashra, Incharge, Textile Design Department, University College of Arts and Design, University of the Punjab, Lahore delivered the closing remarks.She appreciated the students who worked hard for completing their BATIK projects and shared that students look forward to many more initiatives related to BATIK as this was a great learning experience for them.

The seminar was followed by a the inauguration of BATIK exhibition by His Excellency Adam Mulawarman Tugio, Ambassador of Indonesia to Pakistan.