Honoring cultural heritage and sustainability through textile designs that blend tradition with innovation at the National Museum of Indonesia

The National Museum of Indonesia is hosting the highly anticipated The Flying Cloth exhibition, which showcases the remarkable 25-year creative journey of renowned textile and fashion designer Merdi Sihombing. Running until November 24, 2024, the exhibition highlights Merdi's dedication to preserving local culture and promoting sustainability within the fashion industry.

Organized by the Ministry of Culture, the Indonesian Heritage Agency, and the National Museum of Indonesia, this exhibition offers a glimpse into Merdi's career, which extends beyond fashion design. Merdi has built deep emotional connections with artisans and women in remote villages who have preserved traditional crafts. From Mentawai in West Sumatra to Wamena in Papua, he has uncovered and revived ancestral heritage, blending it with contemporary fashion trends.

At a press conference, Merdi shared that The Flying Cloth represents a pivotal moment in his creative journey. "Each fabric, motif, and color displayed here is not merely a product of creativity, but a shared heritage that we honor and protect. Each piece of fabric tells a story of cultural pride, preservation, and fashion that respects the environment," he said. The exhibition stands as a testament to Merdi's commitment to safeguarding Indonesia's cultural diversity while promoting sustainable fashion.

Merdi's success has reached far beyond Indonesia's borders. He has captivated the international fashion scene by showcasing his collections at major events like New York Fashion Week and London Fashion Week. His work, which celebrates the beauty of Nusantara textiles and sustainability, has garnered recognition worldwide, including in Canada, Australia, Bangladesh, and India. His international success proves that creativity and local cultural heritage have a strong appeal on the global fashion stage.

Merdi also has a grand vision for Indonesia to become a global center for indigenous fashion. According to him, Indonesia's extraordinary cultural wealth, with its diverse indigenous communities, holds vast potential in textile heritage and unique decorative arts. "From the western to the eastern parts of the archipelago, each tribe has textile and decorative arts that can be shared with the world," he said. He believes Indonesia has the potential to become a hub for fashion based on local values, celebrating cultural diversity and national identity on the global stage.

The Flying Cloth exhibition is not just a fashion display but an immersive multisensory experience that combines visual, auditory, and interactive elements. Under the artistic direction of Heri Pemad and curator Ignatia Nilu, the exhibition features reinvented fabrics from various regions across the archipelago, merging weaving, embroidery, songket, and beadwork with innovative design. Each piece reflects the beauty and uniqueness of the cultural traditions that inspired Merdi.

The exhibition also offers a variety of engaging programs, including workshops, seminars, and creative talks, inviting the public to explore sustainable fashion. Visitors can interact directly with experts and gain a deeper understanding of the connection between culture, art, and eco-friendly fashion.

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the stunning fusion of tradition and innovation at this exhibition and be part of the sustainable fashion movement that is shaping the future of Indonesia’s fashion industry.

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