Ulos fabric designers increasingly embrace innovation
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Designer and Ulos fabric activist Torang Sitorus believes that Ulos weavers in the regions are increasingly developing and offering various interesting innovations. “From what I can see, there are many booths selling Ulos. This is a sign that the industry is revitalising in the regions. The weavers have been innovating,” said Torang during a media briefing at Indonesia Fashion Week (IFW) 2026 in Jakarta on Sunday.
Torang highlighted that artisans are becoming more open to modern developments. Weavers are continuously striving to create high-quality fabrics and diverse designs so that they can be worn by people outside the Batak tribe and are suitable for all age groups. The colour palettes have also begun to incorporate pastel or natural tones. To accommodate buyers, weavers offer various price points ranging from Rp1 million to over Rp20 million, depending on the complexity and design of the piece.
Regarding the industry, he noted that the number of artisans is increasing, although he did not provide exact figures. This follows a period in the 1980s when weavers almost disappeared. “In the 80s, Ulos underwent a very drastic change where modernisation and industrialisation began to stir, which threatened our weaver brothers and sisters in the regions,” he said.
Torang also noted that the inclusion of Ulos fabric in the IFW 2026 fashion event proves the long struggle of the entire Ulos industry to introduce the fabric to the global stage. Torang himself is collaborating with the Chairperson of the Indonesian Fashion Designers Association (APPMI) and President of IFW, Poppy Dharsono, to present exquisite works involving the use of Ulos fabric.
In its 14th year, this annual fashion event, initiated by APPMI, aims to provide a platform for fashion sector players by inviting hundreds of designers, brand owners, fashion house owners, fashion and craft artisans, and MSMEs to strengthen the Indonesian fashion ecosystem together. This year, IFW carries the theme “Ulos Simetria” to emphasise that the Indonesian fashion industry must maintain a balance between tradition and innovation, local wisdom and global competition, and cultural values and the future of the creative industry.
Ulos is presented not merely as a traditional cloth from North Sumatra, but also as a symbol of warmth, balance, harmony, and unity. The fashion event is being held from 29 July to 2 August 2026, featuring various designers and tenants from across Indonesia, with a programme encompassing fashion shows, trade exhibitions, talk shows, creative forums, and entertainment and culinary performances.