Batik Trusmi Aims to Boost Cultural Tourism to Cirebon

Batik Trusmi, a local batik company in Cirebon, West Java, celebrated its sixth anniversary on Friday (31/03), coinciding with the district's 535th.

Batik Trusmi has helped boost tourism to Cirebon in recent years, a district celebrated for its local delicacies, such as empal genthong (beef soup), nasi jamblang (rice wrapped in teak leaves) and tahu gejrot (fried tofu topped with a local sauce).

"The Tourism Ministry is trying to promote local gems like Batik Trusmi. We want Cirebon to become known around the world," deputy minister for tourism marketing Esthy Reko Astuti said recently.

Minister of Tourism Arief Yahya said the batik brand combines cultural heritage with modern commercial value, helping to boost tourism to Cirebon from around the world.

"Cirebon is already strong in local culture, but that's not enough. The area must look to capitalize commercially on its heritage to become one of the country's most touristed destinations" Arief said.

Batik Trusmi owner Ibnu Riyanto thanked the ministry for its support while expressing hope that his company can keep growing to attract tourists who are eager to learn about local batik culture. Ibnu also believes tourist's attraction to local batik can help introduce Cirebon's other specialities to visitors.

"We are trying to employ more people to boost the district's economy," Ibnu said.
On its anniversary, the company rebranded itself with a new logo in hopes of sparking renewed interest in the company, as well as in Cirebon. (JakartaGlobe)