Batik by NTB Students with Disabilities Shines in Cultural Diplomacy
Australian Consul General in Bali, Jo Stevens, visited the West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Museum on Thursday, May 29, 2025.
During the visit, Stevens emphasized cultural collaboration and the importance of inclusivity for the disability community in NTB.
Stevens listened to a presentation on the museum's strategic programs and then toured the cultural collections in the exhibition hall.
The visit concluded with a traditional NTB dish consisting of serbat (spice-based beverage) and dodol nangka (jackfruit paste).
During the visit, Stevens was presented with a Sekardiyu batik crafted by students from SLB 1 Lombok Barat, a special needs school, as part of the NTB Museum's cultural empowerment program.
NTB Museum Director Ahmad Nuralam stated that the Sekardiyu batik was developed through joint training with SLB teachers, using an art and therapy approach as a medium for children with disabilities to express themselves.
Nuralam emphasized that art and culture are inclusive spaces. "These children possess remarkable potential that deserves to be nurtured," said Nuralam.
Inspired by the story of the SLB 1 Lombok Barat students' batik, Stevens admired the students' spirit and the NTB Museum's commitment to promoting an empowering culture.
"This initiative is truly remarkable—not just about batik, but about fostering inclusivity and ensuring everyone has a space to contribute," said Stevens.