Cultural Ritual and Prayers Ceplok Mangkoro: Jogja Membatik Dunia (Jogja Batiks The World)

The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has entered its second year, resulting in global conditions in an extensive crisis, degrading all aspects of human life, particularly on health; economic; social; cultural; and tourism sectors. Inevitably, all aspects of global life have been radically disrupted.

In such conditions, Indonesia as a big, strong nation that has the spirit to continue to grow, must be able to survive with various attempts. Therefore, all elements and components of the nation are very important to unite hearts, draw closer to the Almighty, ask for His wisdom that the pandemic will end soon and the world condition becomes better.

One of the efforts to bring good values is to create positive momentum, relying on the value of cultural wisdom, such as a cultural practice of some Javanese people by drawing the symbol of Ceplok Mangkoro. Ceplok Mangkoro Motif comes from the backside of the headdress or “sumping” of the Javanese wayang epic costume. “Mangkara” comes from the sentence “ora ana sekara-kara” which means “there are no obstacles”. Drawing the Ceplok Mangkoro symbol (in painting or batik) is an expression of hope and prayers which means to prevent mischance or disaster.

This positive momentum of cultural practices and prayers will be held together with the Jogja International Batik Biennale (JIBB) in October 2021, coinciding with the World Batik Day. Yogyakarta, which is recognized as the World Batik City, initiates the momentum to express prayers and cultural rituals through drawing the Ceplok Mangkoro batik motif, sending a message of unity and prayers for the world peace and safety. This activity is entitled JOGJA MEMBATIK DUNIA (JOGJA BATIKS THE WORLD).

The Ceplok Mangkoro Batik’s Patern by Jogja International Batik Biennale 2021

In this cultural event, it is hoped that the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Mr. Joko Widodo, along with influential figures from various countries in the world, could draw the Ceplok Mangkoro motif. Several influential figures who are expected to be willing to support the batik movement with President Joko Widodo and First Lady Iriana Joko Widodo are:

• Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X and GKR Hemas
• Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Minister of Education and Culture etc.
• President of the World Craft Council Asia Pacific
• General Chairperson of the National Crafts Council
• Cultural practitioners
• Young people influencers