Clothing is one of the most essential human needs, and Indonesia boasts remarkable diversity in traditional attire. However, shifting consumer preferences have increasingly marginalized the country’s distinctive fashion heritage.
This issue was the focus of a workshop titled Revitalizing Clothing Culture: Strengthening the Ties of Fashion Industry Based on Tradition and Biodiversity Heritage, held on Saturday (Jul. 19) at the UGM Multimedia Room, Central Office.
Chandra Kirana, a representative of the Sekar Kawung Foundation and UGM alumna, explained that Indonesia’s clothing traditions are incredibly rich, although they are now often overlooked.
Several efforts have been made to ensure that Indonesia’s culturally rooted fashion scene can keep pace with changing trends. In fact, many local fashion norms are already deeply embedded in society.
“For this reason, we must rediscover and reexamine fashion in Indonesia so that we can reconnect with the archipelago’s clothing heritage,” said Kirana.
UGM Vice-Rector for Research, Business Development, and Cooperation, Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko, stated that such workshops are essential because they foster inter-institutional synergy in revitalizing clothing culture.
“UGM pays close attention to this issue because clothing is not only part of the culture but also a reflection of national identity,” said Dr. Hadmoko.
The workshop consisted of four sessions featuring experts in their respective fields. Among them was Lila Imelda Sari, who introduced her fashion brand Lemari Lila, which focuses on developing various types of kebaya.
Fashion designer Anthok Kalarie also shared his experience in creating garment patterns using the ecoprint technique.
Professor Edia Rahayuningsih, Professor of Chemical Engineering at UGM’s Faculty of Engineering (FT UGM), emphasized the importance of using natural dyes sourced in Indonesia, which is the world’s largest producer of indigo blue.
Her research over the past few years has led to her active involvement in the Indonesia Natural Dye Institute (INDI) at UGM, a multidisciplinary research center dedicated to exploring natural dyes in Indonesia. Her efforts, along with those of INDI, were recognized through their designation as a UNESCO Chair in Research and Education.
“All of this requires three key ingredients: patience, diligence, and a strong spirit of collaboration,” said Professor Rahayuningsih.
Meanwhile, Professor M. Baiquni, Chair of the UGM Board of Professors, stated that the workshop also served as a platform for engaging with alumni from diverse backgrounds while fostering collaborative strength.
Author: Lazuardi
Editor: Gusti Grehenson