Minister of Trade Muhammad Lutfi appreciated the community's efforts to preserve the masterpieces of Batak woven fabrics. Woven cloth is a creative work that must be passed on to the younger generation so that there is continuity between generations. The Minister of Trade, Muhammad Lutfi, made a statement in response to the implementation of the “Batak Weaving Exhibition, Cultural Ecosystem & Society” which was held at JCC Hall A, Jakarta. The exhibition takes place from 9-13 February 2022. This exhibition is organized by the Jabu Bonang Community House and PT Toba Tenun Sejahtera.
"I appreciate the Batak Woven Fabric Exhibition and all efforts to preserve the masterpieces of woven fabrics
in various regions," said Trade Minister Lutfi, Friday (11/2).
Trade Minister Lutfi said, this woven fabric is a very special ancestral heritage and has been passed down from generation to generation throughout the country.
“The production of this woven fabric can drive the economy in the region. I hope that the younger generation will not abandon this woven fabric in order to create regeneration,” said Trade Minister Lutfi.
Meanwhile, the founder and CEO of PT Toba Tenun Sejahtra Kerri Na Basaria, as in a press release, hopes that this exhibition can foster the love of the younger generation for woven fabrics. Toba Tenun as a cultural organization and community focuses on revitalization and textile development programs.
"Our main reason for empowering the community is not only to increase competence and education but also to create regeneration," said Kerri Na Basaria.
Kerri said, traditionally, in many areas in Indonesia, weaving is a handicraft profession carried out by women and then passed on from generation to generation. Socio-economically, weaving is a form of women's contribution to the welfare of the family, and more broadly, the regional economy.
"How can this huge potential have a strong ecosystem and increase the added value of weaving as a high-value craft," he added.
Toba Tenun established the Jabu Bonang community house as a form of business in developing artisan communities and/or woven fabric stakeholders in North Sumatra. This community will continue to develop Batak Weaving not only from revitalization, but also innovation in processing woven fabrics with contemporary motifs.
“Contemporary Batak woven fabrics are the result of research from various elements of Batak art and culture to produce fabrics that can fulfill the needs of today's people in addition to traditional needs. We still maintain the essence of adapted cultural arts, without disturbing fabrics with sacred motifs and uses," he said.
This exhibition showcases a collection of weaving (textiles and fashion products) by innovative craftsmen from the Jabu Bonang fostered group.
There are three rooms, each of which tells the journey of Toba Weaving. The first is the legacy room which provides an explanation of the philosophy and cultural movements and an illustration of how the use of Batak weaving in the life of the Batak community. This room also displays a collection of old Pinusaan Ulos.
The second room is innovation which tells about Toba Tenun's commitment to revitalize Batak weaving in a responsible (sustainable) way, the development of contemporary motifs derived from Batak weaving motifs, to information related to the weaving ecosystem in North Sumatra.
The third room is called community, which shows the strength of the community-based weaving ecosystem and working groups. Toba Tenun has a Jabu Bonang partonun community home and campaigns on fair trade and business transparency for craftsmen.
“The superiority of the values of local wisdom and the strength of the community can become a model of development based on culture. We also emphasize that the ecosystem of local communities can be a strengthening of economic, social and ecological growth," he added.
