At The G20 Delegation ACWG Forum, Deputy Chairperson Of The KPK Alexander Marwata Takes Advantage Of Udeng And Kain Endek Promotion Moments

Deputy Chairperson of the KPK Alexander Marwata/ANTARA/HO-KPK Public Relations)

JAKARTA - Deputy Chairman of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Alexander Marwata introduced udeng and endek Balinese clothing to delegates from G20 member countries at a series of Anti-Corruption Working Group (ACWG) meetings.

"Udeng and this endek cloth are the cultural richness of the Balinese and Indonesian people that we must preserve and be proud of," said Alexander Marwata in a written statement quoted by ANTARA, Wednesday, July 6.

Through the G20, he said. The Indonesian presidency has also introduced local wisdom to the world. Moreover, the two clothes are one of the local wisdom and culture of the Balinese people which are still sustainable to this day.

Alexander said for Balinese people, especially men, udeng is not just an ordinary headband. However, more than that, udeng is a symbol of concentration of mind or "ngiket manah".

This, said the former ad hoc judge of the Corruption Court, is reflected in the asymmetrical shape of the udeng. The hallmark of udeng itself is in the design which is taller on the right. The meaning is that every wearer is encouraged to try to do good.

The right direction is believed to represent goodness in living life. In the middle of the forehead, it means concentration of mind. Meanwhile, the bond that points upwards is a representation of an upright mind as a form of worship to God, the Creator of Life.

In the context of eradicating corruption, the front part of udeng which is pointed and perpendicular to the top is interpreted as a commitment to integrity, honesty, and supervision by God Almighty.

"Hopefully everyone who wears it can stay away from corruption in every daily activity because God is always watching," he said.

DOCUMENTATION/Balinese endek fabric. (Photo via Antara/Fikri Yusuf)

Similar to udeng, endek cloth also has a deep philosophy for the Balinese people because it is used for traditional rituals. Endek comes from the word "gendekan" or "ngendek" which means silent or fixed.

Endek fabrics are made of silk threads that form gold or silver colored patterns. For traditional activities, the designs used form the motifs of patra and encak served. This motif is quite sacred because it means that everyone must have respect for the Creator of Life.