Sumba's Natural Dye Woven Fabrics Exhibited in Amsterdam
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, AMSTERDAM – Kornelius Ndapakamang, a weaver from East Sumba, conducted a demonstration and workshop on red and blue dyeing techniques, which are characteristic colours of Sumba as part of ancestral cultural heritage, at the Tenun Exhibition in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, from 24 April to 15 September 2026.
The Tenun Exhibition was also opened by the Deputy Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the Netherlands, Mariska Dwianti Dhanutirto.
Kornelius revealed that the exhibition provides an opportunity for local weavers to introduce woven products using natural dyes. Moreover, the use of natural colours not only serves as an effort to preserve cultural heritage but also as a way to protect the earth, as it is known to be environmentally friendly.
“We are grateful and thank Bakti BCA for marketing natural colour woven fabrics not only at the national level but also internationally. At the national level, we have often been invited to participate in expos and bazaars. Bakti BCA has greatly supported weavers in using natural dyes, which is a distinctive dyeing method from our ancestral heritage in Indonesia,” said Kornelius in a written statement on Tuesday (28/4/2026).
He added that one innovation implemented is creating derivative products from woven fabric, such as clothing and bags. As a result, these products can increase attractiveness and selling value. Kornelius hopes that more weavers will use natural dyes and pass on the skill to the next generation. One effort is to include natural dye weaving as a subject in the curriculum.
Through the Creating Shared Value (CSV) programme, Bakti BCA together with Perkumpulan Warna Alami (WARLAMI) brought natural dye woven products to be introduced at the Tenun Exhibition in Indonesia House Amsterdam (IHA), the Netherlands. The programme encourages these natural dye woven products to become better known on the international stage. Considering that the exhibition will be attended by the diaspora, creative economy actors, and communities with potential to open new networks for natural dye woven products.
More than just an exhibition, the event also features several activities, such as a talkshow on the development of natural dyes and sustainable practices, and experiential natural dyeing activities for visitors. In addition, the event is expected to serve as a forum for natural dye weavers to explore information on types of natural dye plants that are developing and their development potential in Indonesia.
EVP Corporate Communication & Social Responsibility BCA Hera F. Haryn stated that Bakti BCA’s presence at Indonesia House Amsterdam is a form of continuity of BCA’s commitment to supporting the weaving ecosystem, especially since the ecofashion industry has increasingly high demand.
“We hope that the exhibition organised by Bakti BCA and WARLAMI can create opportunities to preserve culture, expand business reach, boost economic growth, and maintain environmental conservation in the region,” said Hera.
Hera explained that Bakti BCA’s natural colour wastra mentoring programme has been running in South Central Timor, Baduy, East Sumba, and North Sumatra. The mentoring has also impacted economic improvement for the weaving communities. Throughout 2025, the additional income for weavers reached more than Rp367 million, or a 34% year-on-year (YoY) growth, covering fabrics from training as well as derivative products facilitated by BCA.