Dekranas Chair Encourages Tana Toraja Weaving as a Superior Creative Economy Product

Tri Tito Karnavian, Chair of the National Crafts Council (Dekranas), has voiced support for developing Tana Toraja weaving as a driver of the creative economy. She stated that while the textile is a strong cultural heritage and part of daily life, it must adapt to the evolving fashion world and modernization to become a superior economic resource.

Speaking during the inauguration of a training programme on natural dye production and usage at the Makale Art Market in Tana Toraja, South Sulawesi, on Monday (6/7), Tri noted that the weaving contains motifs and philosophies related to belief systems and social status. She stressed that these distinctive motifs must be preserved, even as new variations are created to meet market demand.

Tri highlighted the significant contribution of the craft sector to both regional and national economies. She called for the documentation and registration of Tana Toraja’s textile products under geographical indication protections to safeguard their identity and ensure the local government and community reap the economic benefits.

Beyond weaving, Tri pointed out that Tana Toraja possesses various other craft products with the potential to be marketed internationally. She expressed hope that the creative economy sector would become a new source of income, not only for the region but also for the local community.

The event was also attended by the Director General of Regional Development at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Restuardy Daud, Tana Toraja Regent Zadrak Tombeg, Vice Regent Erianto Laso’ Paundanan, and Chair of the Tana Toraja Dekranasda, Erni Yetti Riman.