RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Fashion designers play vital role in translating Indonesia's rich cultural heritage into compelling visual narratives that bolster national identity, destination branding, and cultural diplomacy.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of Indonesia Fashion Week (IFW) 2026 in Jakarta on Sunday, August 2, 2026, Minister of Tourism Widiyanti Putri Wardhana noted that global recognition of traditional textiles (wastra) relies heavily on designers' ability to reimagine heritage fabrics into innovative, globally relevant creations.

This year's IFW centered on North Sumatra's heritage under the theme Threads of North Sumatra: Ulos Simetria, spotlighting ulos woven fabrics in modern runway collections developed in collaboration with regional craft councils (Dekranasda).

The Ministry of Tourism is actively integrating fashion and textile craftsmanship into its broader quality tourism strategy, specifically targeting shopping tourism. As foreign travelers increasingly seek out local design boutiques, galleries, and regional artisan hubs to acquire authentic cultural pieces, the ministry aims to strengthen the synergy between local creative industries and global tourism appeal.

Tourism leadership stressed that fashion functions as a gateway to cultural exploration, turning runway exposure into tangible tourism interest and economic opportunities for local weavers across the archipelago. She highlighted how fashion serves as an initial spark for international curiosity and cultural diplomacy.

"Someone might first learn about ulos through a runway collection at a fashion show, however, after that, they begin to ask where this fabric comes from, who made it, and where that culture thrives. That curiosity becomes the starting point of cultural diplomacy," Minister Widiyanti said in Jakarta on Sunday, August 2, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Minister Widiyanti reflected on her personal travels to Lake Toba, emphasizing the human craftsmanship behind every piece of traditional textile. "Behind every sheet of ulos are the skilled hands of Batak women who keep this tradition alive and pass it down across generations, cultural character like this becomes the foundation of destination branding, " she noted.

The Minister concluded by affirming the administration's commitment to supporting the creative fashion ecosystem.

"Fashion is not merely clothing, it is how a nation tells its identity to the world, we hope more works by Indonesian designers will inspire the world, and more tourists will visit to experience Indonesia through our traditional textiles, culture, and national creativity, " Widiyanti explained. ***