KBRN, JAKARTA: For the first time, a historic exhibition showcased the rich traditions of dyeing and weaving from Indonesia and Japan. It was officially opened at the National Museum of Indonesia, Jakarta, Friday (10/24/2025).

This marks a new chapter in cultural diplomacy between the two countries.

The exhibition, titled “Threading Across Time: Dyeing and Weaving of Indonesia and Japan”, is a collaboration between the Indonesian Heritage Agency and the Tokyo National Museum.

It brings together 26 kimono collections dating from the 18th to 20th centuries, as well as several batik and songket pieces exhibited at the Tokyo National Museum. The opening ceremony highlighted how the tradition of textiles has served as a strong “bonding thread” between two countries rich in cultural history.

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon who attended the event conveyed the importance of culture as the foundation of bilateral relations. Indonesia, as a megadiverse country with more than 1.340 ethnic groups, has textile traditions that serve as codes of identity and philosophy, such as Batik, Ikat, Songket, and Ulos.

Similarly, Japan showcased its excellence in world-renowned dyeing and weaving techniques, including Yuzen, Shibori, Bingata, Karaori, and Kinran.

“Although our materials and techniques may differ, our traditions honor the same principle. Whether through Songket or Shibori, through Ikat or Yuzen, these creations share a single essence, harmony with nature," Minister Fadli said in his speech.

Minister Fadli Zon (center) accompanied by Executive Director Makoto Fujiwara (right) and others inaugurated the exhibit at the National Museum of Indonesia on Friday (10/24/2025). (Photo: RRIVOI/Putri Cahaya Purnama)

Meanwhile, Executive Director of the Tokyo National Museum, Makoto Fujiwara, who attended the event also shared his insights on the artistic value of this exhibition. According to him, the exhibition is the first attempt to introduce Japan's historical and traditional cultural assets to Indonesia, showcasing the cultural interaction that has been going on since the Edo period.

"Indonesia and Japan have been trading since the Edo period in 1603-1868. In 1958, diplomatic relations were established, and the two countries will celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations in 2028," Makoto said.

On the same occasion, Chief Curator and Head of Research at the Tokyo National Museum, Yuzuruha Oyama, revealed the similarities in traditional fabric dyeing techniques between Japan and Indonesia, despite differences in the materials used.

“Unlike Indonesia, which uses wax, in Japan, glutinous rice is used as a substitute for wax, which is later used as a glue for dyeing. Although the materials used are different, the techniques themselves are very similar,” Oyama explained.

The exhibition opens to the public from October 25 to December 7, 2025, every day from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (closed on Mondays). During the exhibition period, various Japanese cultural workshops will be held every weekend, in collaboration with Japanese art and culture enthusiasts in Indonesia.