Fadli Zon Targets Africa for Nusantara Textiles, Eyes Collaboration with International Designers

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon has opened opportunities for the expansion of Nusantara textiles, which include batik and other traditional Indonesian fabrics, to the African market. This move is part of a strategy to strengthen Indonesia's cultural diplomacy. During a meeting with fashion designer Ivan Gunawan at the Ministry of Culture Office in Jakarta on Wednesday (29/7), Minister Fadli Zon conveyed this idea. The discussion focused on developing a culture-based fashion industry and its role as a diplomatic tool and economic driver. Minister Fadli stated that the promotion of Indonesian textiles needs to be expanded to countries that have not been significantly explored yet. He identified Africa as one such region, noting, "So that it goes international, we can promote batik or textiles to other parts of the world. Countries in Africa have not been touched by our textiles, although they are very potential. The motifs of traditional African clothing also have similarities with batik." According to the minister, strengthening cultural diplomacy can also be achieved through collaboration with international designers who can act as cultural ambassadors to introduce Indonesian textiles to the global market. Beyond market expansion, Fadli Zon also highlighted the importance of intellectual property (IP) protection for designers who create new batik motifs. This protection is seen as crucial for increasing the economic value of creative works and strengthening the cultural industry ecosystem. Minister Fadli assessed that the innovation of designers not only results in fashion products but also creates opportunities for artisans to develop businesses that positively impact the community's economy. He also expressed his support for the fashion show agenda initiated by Ivan Gunawan, believing it can serve as a platform to introduce textiles to the younger generation and bridge tradition with modern fashion trends. Ivan Gunawan welcomed the collaboration opportunity with the Ministry of Culture, viewing fashion and textiles as effective educational mediums to introduce the richness of Indonesian culture to the public. "This year, in the spirit of Indonesia's independence euphoria, we also plan to create a fashion installation that is open to the public so that students, fashion schools, and the public can see the beauty of our textiles," Ivan stated. Minister Fadli expressed his hope that batik and Nusantara textiles will become increasingly recognized globally as an Indonesian cultural identity, a tool for cultural diplomacy, and a source of economic value for the national creative industry.