The Ethereal Beauty and Cultural Heritage of Indonesian Batik

Wax-resistant techniques of dyeing fabric can be traced back to the 4th century Egypt, but it is in Java that the craft has reached its pinnacle. The batik making techniques have been imbibed into Indonesian culture and are often handed down within families for generations. On October 2nd, 2009, Indonesian Batik was designated by UNESCO (The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. This inspired the Indonesian government to name October 2nd as National Batik Day, in order to celebrate the anniversary of this memorable recognition.