Sawahlunto Takes Songket Silungkang to the Global Fashion Stage

RRI.CO.ID, Sawahlunto – Sawahlunto, West Sumatra, is once again showcasing Indonesia’s cultural heritage through the Sawahlunto International Songket Silungkang Carnival (SISSCa) 2026, taking place from September 4 to 6, 2026. With the theme “Songket Innovation in Luxury,” the event provides a platform to introduce Songket Silungkang as a traditional textile that can evolve alongside the modern fashion industry.

Songket Silungkang is a traditional Minangkabau textile that has long been produced in Silungkang Nagari, Sawahlunto. Known for its intricate motifs and weaving techniques, the textile carries not only aesthetic value but also cultural significance as part of the local community’s identity.

Through SISSCa 2026, Songket Silungkang is presented through various creative forms, including fashion parades and fashion shows. The approach demonstrates how traditional textiles can be incorporated into contemporary designs while preserving their cultural character.

Beyond the fashion parade, the event features live weaving demonstrations, exhibitions featuring MSMEs and creative economy products. These activities offer visitors an opportunity to learn more about the craftsmanship and cultural values behind Songket Silungkang.

The international dimension of SISSCa also creates opportunities for Songket Silungkang to gain wider recognition beyond Indonesia. The event connects the country’s traditional textile heritage with developments in the creative economy and the global fashion industry.

For Sawahlunto, SISSCa is not only about preserving tradition, but also about creating opportunities for cultural heritage to continue evolving. Innovation in songket design and its wider use can help boost the local creative economy while creating greater value for traditional weavers.

By bringing together tradition, creativity, and innovation, the Sawahlunto International Songket Silungkang Carnival 2026 demonstrates how Indonesia’s traditional textiles can adapt to changing times. From Silungkang, songket is not only preserved as a cultural tradition, but also presented on a broader fashion stage.