Poland strengthens ties with Indonesia through batik design competition

The Embassy of Poland in Jakarta has strengthened ties with Indonesia through the launch of a batik design competition inviting Indonesian artists to fuse the cultures of the two countries in a single work. A press release received in Jakarta on Saturday said the competition invites participants to create an original batik design that represents the positive relationship between Indonesia and Poland. The submitted designs are expected to feature the national symbol of Poland while also incorporating elements typical of Indonesia. Barbara Szymanowska, Ambassador of Poland to Indonesia, said batik is an important part of Indonesia’s cultural identity, widely known around the world. ‘Batik is not just fabric — it is a living story about the history, identity, and pride of Indonesia,’ Szymanowska said. She noted that not many people know that Poland also has a batik tradition that has developed since the 1920s through workshops inspired by Indonesian batik. That tradition continues today, including through batik workshops in the town of Słupsk, in northern Poland. The workshop was visited by Cultural Minister Fadli Zon in June 2025 during his working visit to Poland. The Embassy of Poland in Jakarta is offering a top prize of IDR 15 million for the competition winner. In addition to selecting a single main winner, the embassy plans to showcase the best works produced in the competition. The selected design may be used in promotional material and as official embassy souvenirs symbolising the friendship between the two countries. Submissions are open until 1 April 2026 and the competition is open to Indonesian citizens aged at least 18. Full information can be accessed via the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Jakarta’s official website and its official Instagram account.