Mother Earth House Inaugurated, Sumba Weaving is Considered as a Cultural Economic Machine

SUMBA TIMUR - Menbud Fadli Zon inaugurated the Mother Earth House in Maujawa, East Sumba on Saturday, December 27. This is a concrete step for the government to build the Sumba Weaving cultural ecosystem through the activation of community-based public spaces.

The Mother Earth House managed by the Umaratu Foundation is expected to become a new node for preserving textiles as well as a local creative economy driver. Fadli emphasized that cultural spaces not only serve to maintain traditions, but also create added value for the community.

"Public spaces like this must be a pocket of culture. A place to learn, an inspirational space for young generations, as well as a space for the inheritance of local wisdom and entrepreneurship," said Fadli Zon in a press release, December 28.

He emphasized that the development of the Mother Earth House was the result of cross-party collaboration, ranging from the government, cultural communities, private sector, to individuals who care about cultural development. According to him, culture must be positioned as a unifying force for identity as well as a source of sustainable economy.

"Culture is not just an economic potential, but an identity that is passed down from generation to generation. This is in line with the mandate of the law to utilize and develop culture towards a cultural economy," he said.

Fadli also gave appreciation to the weavers and masters of Sumba Weaving who have brought local fabrics to the global stage. He said that Sumba cloth is now present in museums, international collections, to fashion markets in various countries.

Director General of Development, Utilization, and Cultural Development Ahmad Mahendra added that the activation of Mother Earth House was in line with efforts to revitalize cultural spaces so that cultural actors have a sustainable growing space.

The inauguration was marked by the signing of an inscription and was filled with art performances and fashion shows. The government hopes that the House of Mother Earth will become a center for strengthening Sumba Weaving, keeping traditional techniques alive, while improving the well-being of artisans in the midst of globalization.