The Women's Caucus of the Indonesian Parliament of the Republic of Indonesia (KPP-RI) held a promotion for Indonesian traditional literature, namely batik, with an event entitled "Rupa Karya" (The Exhibition Room for the Children of the Nation). KPP-RI's efforts show how female politicians in Senayan promote batik as a way to preserve Indonesian culture. The exhibition, which will be held until February 18, 2022, at the Nusantara II Building, DPR RI, shows 20 selected design nominations from the "National Batik Design Competition" held by KPP RI since November 2021.

"KPP-RI supports MSMEs to continue to increase creativity, especially in the effort to preserve culture that is in harmony with the country's natural wealth in the form of spices which also color the fine fibers of batik made by this country's children," said Member of Commission IX DPR RI and KPP RI Presidium Dewi Dewi. Asmara in a written statement on Tuesday.

This politician from the Golkar faction also mentioned that, apart from having a wealth of various spices, Indonesia is also abundant with various plants that can be used as natural dyes for batik.

Such as saga, turmeric, jackfruit wood, and mangosteen. Thus, in addition to increasing the economy, batik production also helps businesses to care for and preserve nature. As part of the textile industry, batik's contribution to the national economy is indeed quite large, even in the era of the pandemic.

According to data from the Ministry of Industry, the contribution of the batik sector to foreign exchange through the achievement of batik exports in 2020 reached 532.7 million US dollars, and during the first quarter of 2021 it was able to reach 157.8 million US dollars.

The presence of the batik exhibition is also believed to be a space for batik craftsmen who are faithful to maintain and preserve the nation's culture through their works. "The batik industry is one sector that has so far made a significant contribution to the national economy," he said.

"It is dominated by small and medium-sized industries (IKM) and is a sector that creates a lot of job opportunities, especially for women".

"Through batik, MSMEs can become foreign exchange contributors that encourage economic recovery and increase community participation, especially women in the economy," said Chair of the "Rupa Karya" Committee Casytha A. Kathmandu.