Donggala Government Encourages Regeneration of Traditional Weavers

The Donggala Regency Government is encouraging the regeneration of ‘buya sabe’ weavers, the region’s distinctive traditional cloth, to safeguard cultural heritage and enhance its economic value. “We are asking the Central Sulawesi Provincial Government to open a special Donggala Weaving programme at a Vocational High School (SMK) for female students,” said Donggala Regency Secretary Rustam Efendi during the opening of the Buya Subi Festival 2026 at the Karampuana Beach Tourism Area on Tuesday. He explained that the two villages serving as the centre of Donggala weaving, Towale and Limboro, currently have around 200 weavers. However, the majority of them are elderly. “The weavers are elderly, so their productivity is no longer optimal,” he stated. “We also suggest that village governments establish special cooperatives with a woven cloth business unit,” he added. The Buya Subi Festival 2026, held from 5 to 11 July 2026, is a collaboration with Eco Fashion Week Australia (EFWA) and the Central Sulawesi Provincial Government. The festival’s peak will be enlivened by a Sunset Fashion Show. According to Rustam, the event confirms that ‘buya sabe’, which includes Buya Subi, Buya Bomba, Palekat Garusu and other types, is a superior product of the Donggala community with a geographical indication for communal intellectual property. He expressed hope that the festival would not merely celebrate the beauty of woven cloth and serve as a ceremonial event, but would preserve cultural heritage so it does not become extinct. “This activity strengthens the creative economy ecosystem and opens business opportunities for local MSMEs, as well as demonstrating that traditional culture can go hand in hand with modern creativity today,” he hoped.