Galeri Nasional Australia, Canberra, Rabu, 10 Maret 2010

Pidato di Galeri Nasional Australia

TRANSCRIPT
REMARKS BY THE FIRST LADY OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA
TO THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF AUSTRALIA
CANBERRA-AUSTRALIA, 10 MARCH 2010



Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,
May peace be upon us and a good morning to everyone.

Mrs. Thérèse Rein, the First Lady of Australia;
Mrs. Sranya Natalegawa, Spouse of the Minister of the Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia;
The Spouse of the Australian Ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia;
Mrs. Susilowati Primo, Spouse of the Republic of Indonesia’s Ambassador to Australia;
The Director of the National Gallery of Australia, Dr. Radford AM;

Distinguished guests;
Ladies and gentlemen;
I would like to say that it is truly a personal honor for me, that while accompanying the state visit of the President of the Republic of Indonesia, I have the opportunity to once again visit the National Gallery of Australia, after my visit here back in 2005. It is a great pleasure for me to be here again and to enjoy the company of the distinguished guests present here today.

I have fond memories of the National Gallery of Australia, I remember that the Gallery is home to the biggest collection of valuable artworks in Australia. I understand that it holds Australia’s most extensive and valuable art collection. I am so impressed to see that this collection includes significant works, not just from contemporary and indigenous Australia, but also from modern European and American works to vibrant Asian and Pacific arts. The Gallery also has one of the most impressive collections of Indonesian textiles, outside Indonesia. Besides textiles, the Gallery has examples of other fascinating arts from all over Indonesia, from beautiful sculptures, gold ornaments, to manuscripts.

If we take a close look at the extensive collection of artworks on display in this Gallery, we can begin to gain a deeper interest and understanding of the culture and the people depicted in the artwork. It is truly an inspiring experience for me to observe the impressive collection of artworks in this Gallery.

Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
As Indonesia is Australia’s closest neighbor and has long enjoyed a close relationship, it is particularly important that our two peoples have the opportunity to understand and appreciate each other’s artistic traditions. I have always believed that the art is a powerful force for peace and harmony. The Gallery’s outstanding Indonesian collection therefore plays an important role in strengthening people to people contacts between the two countries.

Indonesia is also home to quite a number of impressive art galleries, but they are a little different from the National Gallery of Australia. Most of our galleries displays artworks from the many tribes, people and cultures from across Indonesia. Ranging from cultures in Sabang to Merauke and from the Island of Miangas to the Island of Rote. Each one of them has their own distinctive characteristics, unique to their respective region. I believe that these artworks are one of the embodiments of Indonesia’s astonishing diversity. As we say it in our national motto, “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” or Unity in Diversity.

Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
On this delighful occasion, given the Gallery’s great interest in preserving and exhibiting Indonesia’s famous textiles, today I wish to present Indonesian textiles to add to the Gallery’s valuable collection. These textiles are known as Batik Sekar Jagad from Jogyakarta, the Central of Java and Tenun Bali. If I may briefly describe the two textiles, The Sekar Jagad Batik is a traditional Javanese Batik pattern consisting of a free form of patchwork decorated with free-flowing and abstract motifs. Sometimes, this motif is also known as Karjagad, which means an illustration of the universe in Javanese. The word is derived from the Dutch word 'Kaarth' which means a map. In the Sekar Jagad batik, the motifs are each enclosed in its own cell to depict islands and continents. The Sekar Jagad motifs are commonly used in batiks from Pekalongan, Surakarta, Jogjakarta and even the batik of Madura.

While, The Balinese Tenun Songket usually depicts floral details and stylized geometric patterns inspired from nature. It is also common for a peacock bird to appear in the pattern. It is traditionally worn for special occasions and more sacred ceremonies, such as weddings or religious ceremonies in the temple. In Bali, Songket production villages can be found in the Klungkung regency, especially at Sidemen and Gelgel village.

We in Indonesia are very proud of our culture, especially Batik, therefore it gives me great pleasure. As First Lady of the Republic of Indonesia and also as a long admirer of batik ever since my youth, to share with all of you today that the Batik has been recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity on 2nd October 2009. This long awaited acknowledgment has further encouraged the creativity and the quality of Indonesian Batik makers and also the love for Batik to our younger generations. The younger generations can now proudly say that Batik is Indonesia’s Heritage to the world.

Building on this acknowledgement, Indonesia is committed to promote Batik to become an icon for Indonesia. We know that this is a challenging task but we are certain that we can achieve it. Our optimism stems from the fact that every area of Java, and indeed other parts of Indonesia, has their own distinct designs and patterns. No other country has this kind of rich design, and this is what makes Batik so uniquely Indonesian. We want to make Batik inseparable to the image of Indonesia, so that when you think of Batik you would immediately think of Indonesia.

Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is also my hope that my visit today to the National Gallery of Australia can enhance the friendship and cooperation for both Indonesia and Australia.

Before I conclude my remarks, I would like to once again show my appreciation to the National Gallery of Australia for their excellent work in collecting and exhibiting Indonesian textiles and hope that the Batik Sekar Jagad and Tenun Bali will be a valuable addition to the Gallery’s collection. With Bismillahirrahmanirrahim, I proudly present the Batik Sekar Jagad and Tenun Bali to the National Gallery of Australia.

I thank you.
Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.



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Bureau for Press and Media Affairs
Presidential Household