Background & History
National Weaving Day is commemorated annually in Indonesia on September 7. This date was formally established by Presidential Decree on August 16, 2021 under President Joko Widodo’s administration.
The choice of September 7 holds historical significance: it’s the founding anniversary of the first weaving school in Indonesia established by Dr. Soetomo in Surabaya on September 7, 1928. The proposal for this commemorative day was spearheaded by Anna Mariana, head of the Indonesian Traditional Textile Community and the Indonesia International Fashion Art and SMEs Community, and received strong academic and cultural support before being enacted.
Cultural Importance
Indonesian Woaven extends far beyond mere cloth production it embodies local wisdom, cultural identity, and generational heritage. The craft varies across regions, reflecting distinct motifs, colors, techniques, and materials. For example, ikat and songket are among the most celebrated types of tenun, rooted in centuries old Austronesian traditions.
These textiles have been officially recognized by Indonesia’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology since 2010 as part of the Nation’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Celebrations & Events
In addition to lively festivals and cultural exhibitions, KAINRATU also played a dynamic role in National Weaving Day 2025. A traditional ikat woaven business from Troso Village, Jepara, is expanding the reach of Indonesian weaving globally.
- Global Market Penetration by KAINRATU
Founded in 2015 by Muhammad Hamdan and Maria Leoni, KAINRATU has empowered local artisans from Troso, Jepara, by guiding them to produce unique, high quality ikat woven and new motifs rooted in traditional heritage. Since 2009, they have started selling online through platforms like TokoTenun.com, reaching customers throughout Indonesia and now reaching international markets in countries including Singapore, New Zealand, Australia, Oman, and even Houston in the United States. Their export operations are divided between direct exports (to markets like New Zealand, Houston, Oman, Australia, and Finland) and indirect exports through third parties to destinations like the United Kingdom, France, and Singapore. This achievement stems from strong management improvements supported by training and incubation programs.
- Exhibiting at National and International Exhibitions
KAINRATU continues to actively engage in global outreach. Recently, KAINRATU participated in the Business Matching Session at IAPEX 2025, a platform that connects local players with international buyers and retailers. This participation further underscores their growing prominence on the global stage.
Goals & Future Outlook
1. Strengthening Global Brand & Market Expansion
KAINRATU aims to further expand its export reach by entering new international markets and consolidating its presence in existing ones from direct exports to destinations like New Zealand, Houston (USA), Oman, Australia, and Finland, as well as indirect channels to the UK, France, and Singapore.
Looking ahead, the goal is to elevate Indonesian ikat in global fashion contexts perhaps through participation in prestigious fairs such as Paris Fashion Week and Tokyo Fashion Week, following trends set by others in the industry.
2. Digital Empowerment & Storytelling
Continuing its digital journey, KAINRATU plans to enhance its online storytelling, aiming to deepen consumer engagement with narratives about weaver heritage, sustainable methods, and cultural symbolism. This digital strategy will leverage platforms like social media, blogs, and online marketplaces to broaden reach and impact.
3. Sustainable Practices & Cultural Integrity
Committed to eco conscious production, KAINRATU is exploring sustainable materials and practices such as natural dyes and environmentally friendly techniques while ensuring that the cultural essence of tenun is preserved amid modernization.
4. Community Development & Artisan Capacity Building
A core future goal is to deepen its work empowering Troso’s artisans, especially women, through training in digital branding, quality assurance, and modern design aesthetics. This includes mentoring programs focused on business skills, woaven innovations, and storytelling tools that enhance artisan livelihoods and preserve cultural knowledge.