The Launch of Ann Dunham’s Legacy: A Collection of Indonesian Batik

Dr. Maya Soetoro-Ng (center) and Ambassador Paul Jones (left) was given a tour of Ann Dunham batik collections by Dr Heba Nayel Barakat, the head of Curatorial Affairs at the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia (IAMM) (U.S. Embassy photo)

On June 8, U.S. Ambassador to Malaysia Paul W. Jones accompanied Dr. Maya Soetoro-Ng, President Obama’s sister, to launch the Ann Dunham’s Legacy: A Collection of Indonesian Batik exhibition at the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia.  The exhibition, which will run from June 8 –July 20, 2012, is the first time this Batik exhibit has traveled outside of the Western Hemisphere.  It showcases some of the finest and unique Batik designs collected by President Obama’s mother. The launch also featured a special video message from President Obama to the audience of the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia.  The launch was a tremendous success. A total of 90 people attended the launch, including journalists from as far as Indonesia.