Solo sets another MURI batik record
Surakarta, popularly known as Solo, in Central Java entered into the Indonesian Museum of Records (MURI) on Sunday for its extra long batik fabric.
The 4,100-meter long batik fabric was spread from Purwosari train station to Gladag Square on the city's main street of Jl Slamet Riyadi for two hours during a car free day. The event was initiated by SMA Batik 1 Solo high school as a part of its anniversary celebration.
Up to 6,600 people comprising the school's students, teachers and alumni were involved in spreading the fabric, which was made from thousands of regular-size batik cloths. The cloths were either knitted, tied or manually held together by the participants to make sure they did not break.
"We have prepared this event for two months. Our own students collect the batik cloths with various patterns," school principal Literzet Sobri told The Jakarta Post Travel.
The batik parade featured some of Surakarta's signature batik motifs such as Sidomukti, Sidoluruh, Sidoasih and Truntum.
Surakarta Mayor FX Hadi Rudyatmo expressed his excitement about this initiative in his welcome speech.
"Surakarta's image as the capital of batik has to be realized into a brand. It could to affect the economy and increase our people's welfare," said Hadi.
Other than being listed as the 6,153th record at MURI, the judging panel also agreed to set it as a world record.
"Other than the longest batik fabric being spread, this event also set a record for the largest number of batik cloths being worn," said MURI manager Sri Widayati.
Previously, the city has also set records for the longest batik dress, the most complete batik collections and the largest number of batik-making participants.
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