President Yudhoyono Sees Bright Future for Indonesia's Batik

Pekalongan, Central Java (Antara) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono predicts a bright future for the Indonesian batik, given the huge numbers of the middle class population and the nation's batik -loving life style. "I just remarked that the future of batik or the creative economy is bright. My statement is not to please anybody; the contribution of the creative economy, including batik, to the national economy has increased over the past few years," President Yudhoyono asserted during his visit to the International Batik Center (IBC), here on Wednesday. Indonesia's middle class population figure stood at 50 million in 2013, and is expected to reach 135 million by 2030, according to the President. "This number is several times that of Singapore's population. All of them prefer to buy and use batik as part of the current life style. Therefore, let's produce batik," he stated. He instructed governors and district heads to continue helping and supporting batik producers, for instance, by providing low-interest credits for those who need them. After holding a dialog with Batik producers, the head of state and First Lady Ani Yudhoyono toured the IBC that accommodates 200 stands. Later, they proceeded to Kauman Batik Kampong, where most of the residents are home-industry batik producers. After attending the commemoration of Prophet Muhammad¿s birthday celebrations in Kanzus Sholawat building, the President and his entourage are scheduled to leave Pakalongan for Jakarta by train. They are expected to arrive in Jakarta on Wednesday evening. The president's entourage includes Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Hatta Rajasa, Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Agung Laksono, Minister/State Secretary Sudi Silalahi, and Creative Economic Minister Mari Elka Pangestu. President Yudhoyono began a four-day working visit to a number of cities in West Java and the Central Java provinces on Sunday. (*)