Unifying the strength of women and the beauty of textile art in a single, inspiring cultural harmony

The traditional weaving industry in Indonesia has deep roots in women's lives. For centuries, women have been the guardians and preservers of this cultural heritage. To celebrate National Weaving Day on October 3, 2024, Tobatenun collaborated with Sarinah to host a special event titled “Weaving Stories: #WomenCelebrated with Tobatenun.” This initiative aims not only to preserve the art of weaving but also to strengthen women's roles in the creative industry, both upstream and downstream.

The #WomenCelebrated campaign encourages society to appreciate and honor women's achievements in various fields. Whether in rural or urban settings, women often juggle multiple roles as mothers, artisans, workers, and community leaders. They frequently face numerous challenges and complex situations. Therefore, this campaign focuses on fostering solidarity among women, emphasizing mutual support, recognizing self-potential, and celebrating every contribution they make.

During the commemoration of National Weaving Day, the campaign highlights women's vital contributions to preserving the culturally rich art of weaving. Tobatenun hopes this initiative will inspire more people to value women's roles in maintaining culture and boosting the local economy. Melvi Tampubolon, Partner & COO of Tobatenun, explained that their collaboration with Sarinah aims to strengthen women's positions as guardians of weaving art.

“We are committed to continually appreciating women's contributions and empowering them in the creative industry. Through this synergy, we hope to create a positive impact and open more opportunities for women,” Melvi stated.

Sarinah, a platform dedicated to cultural preservation, shares this vision. Fetty Kwartati, President Director of PT Sarinah, emphasized their goal of promoting the visibility of women's artisan works through this collaboration. “We hope this partnership increases public awareness of the beauty and significance of weaving art,” Fetty added.

Tobatenun also acknowledges the challenges faced by women in both rural and urban areas. Through their initiative, Jabu Bonang, they provide a safe space for female artisans to receive training and guidance. The “Women Celebrated” campaign aims to amplify women's voices, highlighting the importance of equality, freedom, and recognition of their achievements.

Tobatenun is dedicated not only to celebrating cultural heritage but also to supporting women in the creative industry through education and skill training. By developing programs that enhance creativity and provide economic support, Tobatenun strives to ensure that women play a crucial role in preserving culture and contributing to the creative economy.

Melvi Tampubolon reaffirmed this commitment, saying, “We hope this event not only celebrates culture but also supports women by opening opportunities and encouraging inclusive growth.”

Through these efforts, Tobatenun and Sarinah aim to create a sustainable positive impact in preserving Indonesian culture while empowering women to make greater contributions to the creative industry. This initiative represents a significant step in weaving a brighter future for women and Indonesia's textile art.

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