Nusa Wastra, Traditional Textiles Strengthen Indonesia’s Cultural Diplomacy

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The National Exhibition of Indigenous Traditional Textiles has returned under the theme “Nusa Wastra: Living Patterns of Nusantara”, aiming to strengthen cultural preservation while promoting traditional textiles (wastra) as an economic driver and a tool for global cultural diplomacy.

Organized by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the Yogyakarta Special Region administration, the exhibition runs at the Sonobudoyo State Museum from June 5 to July 29, 2026.

It serves as a space for the education, appreciation, and preservation of Nusantara textiles, while reinforcing museums' role as centers of learning and cultural tourism destinations.

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon highlighted the strategic role of wastra in introducing Indonesia’s identity to the world. “Wastra can serve as a highly effective instrument of cultural diplomacy because it is easily recognizable and part of Indonesia’s soft power,” he said in Jakarta on Sunday, June 7, as quoted by Antara.

He added that wastra not only carries cultural value but also holds significant potential to develop the cultural industry and the creative economy.

Indonesia is home to more than 1,340 ethnic groups, each with distinctive textile traditions. “The cultural diversity of our nation can be seen in batik, songket, tenun (woven fabrics), ikat, and various other materials and mediums that are so exquisite and plentiful,” Minister Fadli Zon said.

The minister emphasized that every wastra embodies philosophical values passed down through generations. “Behind every cultural expression lies philosophy, hope, and even prayer,” he said.

The exhibition is expected to strengthen efforts to preserve and promote wastra, while supporting the growth of creative and culture‑based enterprises across the regions. ***