Indonesian Woven Textiles Enliven 'Women, Thread, and Time' Event in Rome
The vibrant colours of Indonesian woven textiles enlivened a cultural promotion event titled ‘Women, Thread, and Time’ held by the Indonesian Embassy to the Holy See in collaboration with OERIP Indonesia in Rome on 24 June 2026. The event showcased various fashion pieces by OERIP Indonesia made from traditional fabrics from regions including Kalimantan, Sumatra, Sumba, Lombok, Bali, and Sulawesi. Through the fashion show, the richness of the archipelago’s textiles was introduced to cultural enthusiasts in the Vatican and Italy.
In his opening remarks, Indonesian Ambassador to the Holy See Michael Trias Kuncahyono expressed appreciation for OERIP Indonesia’s role in preserving traditional Indonesian fabrics. ‘We see the important role of OERIP in preserving Indonesian traditional textiles,’ said Ambassador Michael Trias Kuncahyono. He also commended OERIP’s efforts, which have reportedly empowered more than 500 weavers across approximately 70 regions in Indonesia. This initiative aligns with Indonesia’s cultural diplomacy mission to introduce the richness of its traditions, skills, and societal values to an international audience.
The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia to the Holy See has regularly organised cultural diplomacy activities in recent years. In 2024, the embassy held a fashion show and batik-making workshop with Batik House Indonesia at the Xaverian Missionary Community Convent in Salerno and the Instituto Technico Galilei-Di Palo Salerno. In 2025, activities continued with a fashion show and a workshop on the art of wearing batik cloth or jarik with Sanggar Seni Wisni Drupadi. The embassy also held a kebaya fashion show by Mirandi Serad Collection, including a workshop and regional dance performance by the Kebaya Menari Community.
During the Women, Thread, and Time event, OERIP Indonesia presented 17 fashion styles made from Indonesian woven fabrics. Each look not only highlighted the distinctive colours and patterns of its region but also carried the stories and philosophies embedded in each piece of traditional cloth. OERIP Indonesia founder Dian Erra Kumalasari explained that the fabrics used in the collection were produced by female weavers over a lengthy process. ‘The fabrics we use are made by female weavers over months to years,’ said Dian. She noted that one of the collections featured a 200-year-old heirloom fabric that took a decade to create.
A standout design was the ‘Outer Peta Wastra’, a cardigan made from plain woven fabric featuring a map of Indonesia on the back. The garment was created using natural dyes and incorporated a piece of woven fabric on each island corresponding to its origin. ‘Our woven garments come from various islands in Indonesia because we want to showcase the diversity of culture and characteristics in Indonesia through our works,’ Dian explained. Beyond celebrating cultural value, OERIP’s clothing is designed to be comfortable for daily activities. The collection is not only intended for adults but can also be worn by teenagers and children. ‘Most of our products are unisex and one size so they can be used by various groups without gender and size specifications,’ Dian added.
In the dyeing process, OERIP Indonesia uses a variety of natural materials, including stems, tree bark, and roots from indigo, sappanwood, and noni plants. Some fabrics also use dyes from mango skin and turmeric. The choice of natural dyes reinforces the character of the woven fabrics, which are not only aesthetically valuable but also closely tied to the traditional knowledge of the Indonesian people. In addition to the fashion show, the event featured a contemporary dance titled ‘Weaving the Traditional Textiles of the Indonesian Archipelago’. The dance depicted the strength, dedication, and resilience of women in preserving Indonesia’s textile culture. Dian emphasised that woven fabrics are textiles that hold stories and life philosophies, particularly about the female weavers who maintain the tradition from generation to generation. ‘Hopefully, the stories carried by OERIP can be an inspiration not only for Indonesians but also for people from other countries,’ she concluded. OERIP Indonesia is a traditional textile fashion house founded by Dian Erra Kumalasari in 2008. Born in Indonesia, the brand now also has a presence in Europe with a store located in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.