Banyuwangi Introduces "Kangkung Setikes" Pattern Through Batik Festival

Surabaya, E Java (Antara) - Banyuwangi district administration of East Java Province will introduce "Kangkung Setikes" batik pattern through Batik Festival, which will be held here on September 18-20, 2014. "Although other regions bring global cultural themes to local festivals, Banyuwangi maintains local culture on its festivals to bring it to a global level," chief of Banyuwangi District Abdullah Azwar Anas stated here on Monday. The Banyuwangi Batik Festival (BBF), which is being held for the second time, is an annual event held by the district administration to promote tourism and regional creative industries. BBF is the effort of the Banyuwangi people and the administration to develop local culture, particularly in exploring the regional batik potential. The Banyuwangi administration wants to showcase batik as a pride that triggers economic welfare for the people. Azwar pointed out that the institution has also aimed at promoting batik as the current lifestyle. "The trend should be supported from all sides for the development of batik through the design, festival events, and economical aspects," Anas said. According to Anas, "Kangkung Stikes" design is one of the 44 batik designs that are easily identified besides "Gajah Oling," which was the theme for BBF on 2013. The agenda for BBF 2014 has been derived from batik pattern and batik fashion competitions, which are followed by 28 Banyuwangi designers. Additionally, the committee will also include batik painting competition and fashion show, as well as batik and tourism promotion, at the festival. Azwar said the people were very enthusiastic in following the 2013 Batik Festival, which had gained a revenue of Rp500 million. The chief expressed hope that the revenue of 2014 Batik Festival will be higher than that of the previous festival. "The BBF will have a direct impact on the turnover of small and middle industries through higher income," Anas said. (*)