JABAR EKSPRES – Indonesian First Lady Iriana Joko Widodo invited Japanese Empress Masako to see a collection of Javanese Hokokai batik at the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java, Monday.
The activity was carried out by the First Lady while President Joko Widodo and Japanese Emperor Naruhito had a one-on-one meeting on the sidelines of the state visit, according to a statement from the Press Bureau of the Presidential Secretariat received by Indonesia Window here.
First Lady Iriana and Empress Masako previously accompanied President Jokowi and Emperor Naruhito to plant agarwood trees in the backyard of Bogor Palace.
Afterward, the First Lady and Empress Masako headed to Griya Anggrek at the Bogor Botanical Garden to inspect the orchid collection there.
When President Jokowi held a one-on-one meeting with Emperor Naruhito, the First Lady invited Empress Masako to do a companion activity agenda which began with watching disabled painter Benedict Anfield painting koi fish.
The First Lady then invited Empress Masako to witness the process of craftsmen drawing patterns and dyeing batik motif “Pisan Balen” which means “Once Come Later Come Back Again”.
Next, the First Lady and Empress Masako headed to the exhibition area of the Jawa Hokokai batik collection. Empress Masako even tried several times to wear batik cloth whose motifs were influenced by the Jeoang culture.
After the event, the First Lady entertained Empress Masako with hot tea and light conversation.
On the occasion of the joint press conference, President Jokowi said that Emperor Naruhito’s state visit to Indonesia has strengthened the foundation of friendship between the people of Indonesia and Japan.
“Such a solid foundation is necessary for the development of a strategic partnership between our two countries in the future, especially in the economic field,” Jokowi said.
Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visited Indonesia at the invitation of Indonesian President Joko Widodo who is visiting Japan in July 2022.
