Astra International Showcases Sumba Weaving to Global Market at Indonesia-Singapore Orchid Extravaganza

PT Astra International Tbk is once again bringing Indonesia’s local potential to the international stage. This time, Astra is presenting the story of community empowerment through the Desa Sejahtera Astra East Sumba programme at the Indonesia-Singapore Orchid Extravaganza, held at the Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay, Singapore, from 4 July to 10 August 2026. Chief of Corporate Affairs Astra, Boy Kelana Soebroto, stated that the presence of Desa Sejahtera Astra East Sumba in Singapore is a continuation of the company’s efforts to introduce Indonesian creativity and potential to a global level. ‘The Indonesia-Singapore Orchid Extravaganza is a continuation of our joint efforts to introduce Indonesian creativity to the international community. Through collaboration with various stakeholders, Astra hopes that the story of community empowerment and Indonesia’s local potential can become more widely known while opening up more opportunities for communities to develop,’ said Boy, as quoted from his statement on Tuesday, 7 July 2026. PT Astra International Tbk’s participation is part of the MASA Singapore 2026: A Sight Into Indonesia’s Golden Era series. Through this event, Astra is introducing Indonesia’s cultural richness while showcasing community empowerment practices based on local potential to visitors from various countries. Desa Sejahtera Astra East Sumba is an empowerment programme that supports five weaving centre villages in East Sumba Regency, namely Kampung Raja Prailiu, Mbatakapidu, Lambanapu, Mauliru, and Kawangu. Through this programme, PT Astra International Tbk encourages the preservation of the distinctive Sumba Ikat weaving while strengthening the local economy. Each motif produced represents cultural identity, local wisdom, and the community’s close relationship with nature and ancestral traditions. Currently, the weaving ecosystem developed by Astra involves around 250 artisans, 97 per cent of whom are women. The programme not only keeps cultural heritage alive but also creates a sustainable source of income for the community. At the exhibition, Astra presented a Rumah Sumba installation that tells the inspiring story of the weavers from Desa Sejahtera Astra East Sumba. The installation displays the distinctive Sumba Ikat alongside documentation of the women weavers’ activities, illustrating the synergy between cultural preservation, economic empowerment, and the role of women in community development.