RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Rattan, long valued for its craftsmanship and cultural symbolism, is being celebrated as a unique link between Indonesia and France. Director of Institut Français Indonesia (IFI), Jules Irrmann, emphasized its significance during a cultural event in Jakarta on Saturday, January 24, 2026.

“Rattan is something very familiar to us in France. You can find it almost everywhere, especially in the bistro chairs lining our café terraces, which have become one of the strongest images of France and a magnet for tourists,” Irrmann said, as quoted by Antara.

He noted that rattan is not native to France, given the country’s climate, but its presence reflects a deep connection with Indonesia, a leading producer of the material.

Irrmann recalled his childhood in the late 1970s and early 1980s, when rattan furniture was common in French households, underscoring the long tradition and enduring appeal of Indonesian exports.

According to him, rattan is not only environmentally friendly but also resonates with younger generations, particularly Gen Z, making it a product with strong potential for further development.

Through a collaboration between Milou, Kinderkloud, IFI, and Indonesia’s national tourism brand Wonderful Indonesia, the children’s book Woven Worlds was introduced as part of the celebration.

The book highlights Indonesia’s rattan craftsmanship rooted in local knowledge and traditions, particularly from Java, Jakarta, and Cirebon.

“Rattan is more than just a material; it is a symbol, a bridge between rural craftsmanship and urban design, between local heritage and global creative narratives,” Irrmann concluded.

The book is presented as a cultural experience, placing children at the center of cross-cultural dialogue. Inspired by the weaving of rattan strands into a strong whole, Woven Worlds tells a gentle yet powerful story of how Indonesia and France can meet, learn from one another, and grow together, through shared illustrations, textures, and values designed for young readers.

Supporting the initiative, the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism sees the project as a way to inspire children to explore cultural and tourism experiences both in Indonesia and abroad.

“We hope this book will inspire children to travel across Indonesia, to France, and around the world to learn, make friends, and enjoy meaningful experiences,” Assistant Deputy for Strategic Management at the Tourism Ministry, I Gusti Ayu Dewi, said during the book launch.

The project also commemorates 75 years of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and France, aiming to introduce young readers to cultural exchanges through stories, crafts, and imagination.

Irrmann emphasized that the collaboration is intended to cultivate imagination, cultural awareness, and a love of learning from an early age. “Through this book, we hope readers will imagine and explore other cultures,” he concluded. ***