Indonesia plans national weaving database for UNESCO nomination
The government is considering a joint bid with other countries or an extension of existing UNESCO recognition for its weaving heritage.
Indonesia is preparing to nominate its traditional weaving heritage for UNESCO recognition, with plans for a national database to underpin the application. Culture Minister Fadli Zon said the dossier needs reliable evidence that communities continue to practise these traditions.
Fadli met representatives of the Cita Tenun Indonesia (CTI) Foundation in Jakarta on Oct. 13 to discuss the preparations. They agreed to create an integrated database covering techniques such as ikat, songket, rangrang and sobbi, as well as profiles of practising artisans.
CTI quality control representative Sjamsidar Isa said the foundation wanted recognition for Indonesian weaving collectively, rather than for an individual technique, given the diversity of methods.
The initiative also includes books on regional weaving traditions threatened with disappearance. The publications are intended as official reference materials for researchers, designers and younger generations. Fadli called for more documentation and wider knowledge of Indonesian textiles.
The government is reviewing whether to pursue a nomination jointly with other countries or extend an existing UNESCO recognition. Fadli said the organisation's rules required careful examination. The ministry and CTI pledged continued coordination on the dossier and efforts to develop professional skills in traditional textiles.
