Re-weaving the Past

Indonesia is home to a vast assortment of traditional handwoven textiles, most of which are not as well-known as batik. Each region offers its own unique variety with vibrant colors and intricate patterns. Today, many of the lesser-known textiles such as the Silungkang songket and Dayak Iban ikat have begun to disappear. A group of youths in Sawahlunto, West Sumatra, have revived the Silungkang songket by creating new motifs and preserving the region’s hand-weaving technique. This August, the Sawahlunto government will hold an international songket festival. Meanwhile, the ASPPUK (Women in Small Businesses Assistance Association), a non-profit organization in Kapuas Hulu, offers guidance for Dayak Iban weavers, to help them return to natural dyes and preserve their age-old weaving tradition. Tempo English reports.