Klojen (malangkota.go.id) – No less than a hundred models showcased batik and kebaya at an event titled Kartinian ning Kayutangan in the Kayutangan Heritage area, Sunday (20/4/2025). The event, which was held to commemorate Kartini Day and the 111th anniversary of Malang City, was initiated by the Malang City Batik Craftsmen Association (APBKM) in collaboration with the Malang City Government. The excitement of this event was also visible, the models, who were dominated by women, walked like professional models, swaying on the sidewalk that became a stage.
The head of the event committee, Isa Wahyudi, said that this event was also an effort to preserve batik as a cultural heritage of the archipelago that has been recognized by UNESCO, as well as to maintain the nation's cultural heritage. Likewise, kebaya as a traditional dress that has been eroded. "We want to invite and convey the message that batik and kebaya must continue to be preserved throughout the ages," he said.
The man who is familiarly called Ki Demang also admitted that he deliberately involved the younger generation, even children, so that they would participate in preserving and becoming the relay baton in preserving the cultural heritage of their ancestors. "In the midst of the advancement of the times and technology, as the younger generation, we must be involved and play an active role in preserving batik and kebaya," he said.
The same thing was conveyed by the Mayor of Malang, Wahyu Hidayat, who on this occasion also participated in the fashion parade with the models and also the Chairman of the Malang City DPRD, Amithya Ratnanggani Sirraduhita. The number one person in the ranks of the Malang City Government said that this was a positive step and his party gave positive appreciation, so that the cultural products in the form of batik and kebaya would be preserved throughout time.
"Not only demonstrating and introducing batik and kebaya, on this occasion also conveyed the message of how to use batik and kebaya properly and according to the ethics of eastern people. We are also proud because in this event many young people were involved, so it is hoped that they will later become heirs in preserving this ancestral heritage," he continued.
No less important, this event was mentioned by the Mayor of Malang as one of the manifestations of the thousand event program initiated by him and the Deputy Mayor of Malang. "With the frequent holding of activities in the Kayutangan Heritage area, it will automatically continue to promote the City of Malang, which of course will have an impact on tourist visits and significant growth of the people's economy," he said. (say/yn)
