The head of the Aceh Culture and Tourism Office (Disbudpar) stated that India is ready to provide support for the development of the fashion (clothing) industry in Aceh, because the country has a strong historical relationship with Aceh.

"India is ready to provide support for the fashion industry in Aceh, this is because Aceh and India have a strong emotional bond, especially from a historical perspective," said Jamaluddin.

This was prominent in the cultural collaboration between the Disbudpar Aceh and the Indian Consulate General in Medan, Rhagu Gururaj.

Jamaluddin said the historical relationship between Aceh and India can be proven through the acculturation of Indian culture in Aceh which has almost similarities, such as in terms of cuisine, traditional ceremonies and even traditional Acehnese motifs.

"Of course this is due to the spice trading activities of Aceh and India as the largest textile suppliers in the past," he said.

Jamaluddin said, during the meeting, Indian Consul General Rhagu Gururaj explained that India as the largest textile producing country in the world strongly supports the fashion industry program in Aceh.

Therefore, it is very possible to invest in the industry through the help of textile machines.

"India is very supportive, they invite the Aceh Government to provide a special platform for this collaboration so that it can be realized in the fashion industry in the future," said Jamaluddin.

Meanwhile, Head of History and Cultural Values ​​of Disbudpar Aceh, Evi Mayasari, said that the fashion collaboration was in line with the Aceh Government's efforts to revive traditional fabric industries such as Acehnese weaving and songket as an effort to preserve Aceh's almost extinct cultural works.

In addition, Aceh as a Muslim-majority province also has a need for Muslim fashion (modest fashion), and even continues to increase.

"The problem at this time is that Aceh does not yet have an adequate textile industry, the raw materials for this are still very limited, so the price of raw materials is very expensive," he said.

Then, continued Evi, Aceh's woven cloth or songket is currently still produced on a small scale and has a long working time using traditional tools and has not been able to meet the needs of local communities let alone abroad.

"Therefore, this collaboration with India is highly expected, so that the fashion industry and woven fabrics can be developed even better in the future," said Evi.