Hii…everybody….

It was so surprised me when I got calling from Mbak (Ms in Bahasa Indonesia) Heffy (Staff in Apeksi), on the second weeks of July, 2014, to schedule my interview with ICMA and Apeksi at July 17th on 6.30 pm. I said yes, okay I would prepare a good internet connection for the interview. In my mind, there was slight thinking that I would use LAN in my office, even my office time was only till 3 pm (on Ramadhan month). So I had to wait till night for that. Its okay,,all is to get opportunity to come “Amrik”. And that day came (I got reschedule from Apeksi, on July 18th, at 5pm). I heard a friendly voice from Lauren and Ms.Nastiti and I tried my best to answer their questions. And finally, on Monday,, I got a great email from Mbak Heffy:” You are success to join The Professional Fellows Program. Please, send to us your photo, copy passport and fill the identity form”. Wow, It is the greatest news of year. I really will visit “Amrik” (Indonesian youth bahasa for USA), the country of people who I knew their name only in TV and movies. (Barrack Obama, Hugh Jackman, George Clooney) J

Okay, because It is my first blog, let me introduce myself. I am Umah. I work at the Center for Handicraft and Batik (CHB), Ministry of Industry, as a head of Sub Division of the programming and reporting. Although my Organization is not a local government, but We locate in Yogyakarta province. What is the CHB? CHB is a research and development technology center in handicraft and batik. We are one of stakeholders in SMEs (Small and Medium Entrepreneurs) of handicraft and batik development. All our programs are for supporting SMEs handicraft and batik.

Then What is batik? Batik is an unique motif textile from Indonesia. Motif was drawn by using hot wax, to cover from color. There is two methods of drawing batik motif: hand written by “canting” and stamp batik by “stamp”. In October 2nd, 2009 UNESCO recognized batik is as The World Intangible Cultural Heritage from Indonesia, and do You know where is the most of our batik export to? Yes, you are right, USA is top tree of our export destinations. The Industry Data showed that in 2013 We exported batik to USA about US$25 millions. And I hope after my visiting to USA, You will buy our batik more and more, yeah at least my american new friends will.

           batik making process (batikkaliba.com)

Now, I will tell you about where I live. Why is it important? Because I live in Yogyakarta or Jogja, a special province in Indonesia. Why is it special? Because, First, Jogja is the only one province who lead by the same person, as a governor and “Sultan” (king). The special status based on history of establishment of Jogja, before and after Independence day. In 1755, Jogja was a kingdom who lead by a Sultan. Second, Jogja is the main tourist destination after Bali. Third, Jogja is center for batik. a lot of batik industries established in Yogya. Fourth, fifth….etc,,because Jogja is unique, amazing and having friendly people.

     Malioboro street. (indonesia.travel)

You can visit to many beautiful places in Jogja: Malioboro street (icon of Jogja city: You can find here many unique handicrafts, art performance, and view of traditional life), Prambanan Temple (Hindusm temple), Borobudur temple (Buddist temple), a lot of beaches, Sultan palace, etc.

    Borobudur Temple

Okay friends, I end my first writing here, and I will continue the story about my Jogja later when I meet all of you. I would like to thank to ICMA, US Government and Apeksi who gave me the precious opportunity. I believe I will get many learning and knowledge in USA, that will be useful for my organization and improve my contribution to community in my home country.