Indonesia Showcases Rare Historic Textiles at Golden Jubilee Exhibition

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s rich textile heritage is taking center stage in a special exhibition marking the 50th anniversary of the Textile Museum in Jakarta. Organized in collaboration with Himpunan Wastraprema (HWP), the exhibition, titled Preserving Heritage for the Future, showcases rare and historically significant textiles from across the archipelago.

The exhibition was officially opened by Jakarta Culture Agency Head, Mochamad Miftahulloh Tamary, on Wednesday, 24 June 2026. Featuring dozens of cultural treasures, the event aims to promote public appreciation of Indonesia’s traditional textiles while strengthening efforts to preserve them for future generations.

Miftahulloh said the museum’s golden jubilee is more than a celebration of an institution’s longevity. “This milestone is a reflection of our shared commitment and dedication to safeguarding Indonesia’s textile heritage,” he said.

He noted that the museum’s history is closely linked to HWP, which donated 500 textile pieces when the institution was established in 1976. According to him, preserving cultural heritage is a long-term process that requires sustained collaboration among cultural organizations, museums, and the wider community.

HWP Chairperson Sri Sintasari Iskandar said traditional textiles represent artistic masterpieces that embody the identity and history of the Indonesian people. “We are committed to enhancing public understanding, appreciation, and awareness of Indonesia’s traditional textiles so they can continue to be passed on to future generations,” she said.

The exhibition features 62 selected textiles of exceptional historical value, including 19 legendary fabrics donated by HWP founders, 31 textiles contributed by donors, and 12 rare ulos pieces from the collection of Torang Sitorus. During the event, HWP also symbolically handed over 114 ulos textiles that will become part of the Textile Museum’s collection.

One of the exhibition’s highlights is the Caruban Nagari ceremonial banner from the Cirebon Sultanate. Crafted using a batik technique with calligraphic motifs, the banner holds historical significance as a symbol of indigenous resistance and nationalism during the colonial era in Sunda Kelapa, now Jakarta.

Running until August 30, the exhibition also includes educational programs such as a public discussion on July 4 exploring the history and philosophy of the Caruban Nagari royal banner. The opening was attended by diplomats from several countries, including the Netherlands, Türkiye, and Ecuador, reflecting growing international interest in Indonesia’s cultural heritage and traditional textiles.