Minister of Culture Opens Nusantara Textile Exhibition, 107 Collections from Across Indonesia are on Display in Yogyakarta

Fadli Zon opens the 2026 National Exhibition of Traditional Nusantara Fabrics "Nusa Wastra: Living Patterns of Nusantara" at the Sonobudoyo State Museum, Yogyakarta. (IST)

YOGYAKARTA - A total of 107 traditional fabric collections from various regions in Indonesia are exhibited at the 2026 National Exhibition of Traditional Fabrics of Nusantara "Nusa Wastra: Living Patterns of Nusantara" at the Sonobudoyo State Museum, Yogyakarta.

The exhibition, which was opened by Minister of Culture Fadli Zon on Friday (5/6), will run until July 29, 2026 and will be one of the largest collaborative exhibitions that bring together textile collections from regional museums throughout Indonesia.

Held at the Saraswati Museum Sonobudoyo Building, this exhibition features 85 main collections and 22 supporting collections resulting from the collaboration of 40 institutions, consisting of 36 museums and a number of supporting institutions.

Various fabrics are displayed, ranging from batik, songket, weaving, to traditional fabrics from various regions of the archipelago. Each collection not only displays visual beauty, but also contains cultural values, traditional knowledge, and history that are developed in society.

Fadli Zon said the richness of textiles is one reflection of the diversity of Indonesian culture which is spread over more than 17 thousand islands and hundreds of ethnic groups.

"Behind every cultural expression is a philosophy, hope, even prayer," Fadli said in his remarks.

According to Fadli, textiles not only serve as a cultural identity, but also have an important position in Indonesian cultural diplomacy at the international level.

Fadli alluded to the world's recognition of batik and kebaya as proof that Indonesian cultural products have strong appeal at the global level.

Apart from cultural values, he also assessed that the textile sector has great economic potential. The traditional fabric industry is considered to be an economic driver of culture as well as opening up opportunities for artisans, batik makers, weavers, and cultural communities in various regions.

"Textiles can be a very effective instrument of cultural diplomacy because they are easily recognizable and become part of Indonesia's soft power," he said.

On the same occasion, Fadli also highlighted the role of museums which are considered to need to continue to adapt in order to remain relevant to community developments.

According to Fadli, museums are not enough to be a place to store collections, but must be able to present an interesting learning experience through strengthening narratives, exhibition management, technology utilization, and cross-sector collaboration.

Meanwhile, the Regional Secretary of DIY Ni Made Dwipanti Indrayanti said the exhibition was the result of an agreement between museums in Indonesia to hold collaborative exhibitions in rotation.

According to Ni Made, this exhibition not only presents a collection of traditional fabrics, but also tries to introduce a new narrative that is closer to the younger generation.

"This exhibition also aims to foster a sense of pride and love for Wastra Nusantara as well as encourage efforts to protect and develop it in the future," said Ni Made.

In addition to exhibitions, organizers also prepare various supporting activities, including seminars, talkshows, workshops, and design competitions.

Through the collection displayed, visitors are invited to see the Nusantara textiles not only as craft products, but also as part of the Indonesian cultural identity that continues to live and develop from generation to generation.