The battle over batik

Score One for Indonesia in the War Over Batik
by Peter Gelling, NY Times

'“It is so important that the world finally recognize and acknowledge batik as an Indonesian heritage,” said Obin, one of the country’s leading fashion designers. “It is a part of our soul.”'

Last week the United Nation's Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization added Indonesian batik to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Batik is a type of fabric with beautiful patterns created through the use of wax-resistant dyes. This story is a very interesting look at competing cultural heritages, as Malaysia and Indonesia compete in batik production.