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Artisan stories: Weaving the long road to 'tenun'
For many tenun weavers, the art of the handwoven Indonesian textile is more than just a tradition – it is part of their identity and livelihood.
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On the catwalk: Models showcase a fashion collection during the World Ikat Textiles Symposium 2019 in Jakarta. (JP/Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak)
Y
ovita Meta Bastian recalls the heavy blow when a building owned by her foundation, Tafean Pah, in Biboki, East Nusa Tenggara, was torn down recently over a land dispute.
While all of the woven products were moved safely to her house, sales stopped for a few months, which was disastrous for women in the community.
Yovita started the Tafean Pah foundation in 1990 to help an impoverished widow, whose woven products would fetch no more than the price of one stalk of corn.
“She was treated unfairly because of her status as a widow, and I just tried to help her. I noticed that woven textiles from other regions were sold commercially, whereas in my region, they were only used for traditional ceremonies,” said the recipient of the Prince Claus Award in 2003.
“We just wanted to promote and develop our local wisdom, so that we could stand on our own feet and not depend on others. I know for a fact that if we give help in whatever form, it will not lead someone out of poverty, but if their work is given a fair price, it will ensure that they have a better life.”
Yovita was one of the many artisans from across Indonesia who shared their experience over breakfast one Sunday morning at the Textile Museum in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta.
