East Sumba, 8 May 2024 - PT Bank Central Asia Tbk (BCA) together with the Indonesia Natural Dyes Association (WARLAMI) symbolically started the coaching of naturally dyed traditional fabric for 50 weavers from 5 villages and sub-districts in East Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). This program is a manifestation of the company's support for cultural preservation and the development of naturally dyed eco-fashion traditional fabric in East Sumba.
Dozens of weavers from Kawangu Village, Watumbaka Village, Kambatatana Village, Praiklimbatu Preparatory Village, and Wukukalara Preparatory Village will participate in the program scheduled for the next 6 months. The coaching of the weavers started with the preparation phase and technical planning in mid-April.
BCA's program through Bakti BCA and WARLAMI aims to restore the tradition of naturally dyed traditional fabrics in East Sumba. “Through this training, we hope to spur the passion of the weaver community in East Sumba to produce naturally dyed traditional fabrics again. In addition to reviving a tradition that has eroded over time, naturally dyed traditional fabrics have a higher economic value aligned with the increasing trend of eco-fashion today. Naturally dyed traditional fabrics can trigger economic opportunities for the people of East Sumba,” concluded BCA Corporate Communication & Social Responsibility EVP Hera F. Haryn.
Woven fabric is not an unfamiliar craft for the people of East Sumba. However, the use of natural dye in its creation has decreased over time. In addition to its long production, natural dyes are considered more difficult to make than synthetic dyes. This situation has led to the low prestige of natural dye among weaving craftsmen.
One of the participants of the naturally dyed traditional fabrics coaching program in East Sumba who enthusiastically participated in this activity was Padu Ata Ndima. The woman from Kambatatana Village was happy to attend the training organized by BCA and WARLAMI because she gained new knowledge about natural dyes for traditional fabrics.
“This training is useful for those who weave and gain new knowledge about natural dyes. Indeed, we are used to natural dyes. However, we can get insight into different natural dyes from this training with BCA. In the future, we hope BCA can help market our woven fabrics. Thanks to BCA for organizing this training, so that in the future we can continue this spirit to achieve better results,” said Padu Ata Ndima.
Bakti BCA and WARLAMI are working to restore the tradition of naturally dyed weaving in line with the increasing potential for developing an environmentally conscious fashion industry. Researchandmarket.com (2019) calculated that the value of the world natural dye market could reach US$5 billion by 2024 with annual growth of around 11% during 2018-2024. Market trends that increasingly consider the environmental impact in the production process are the main drivers of the popularity of natural dyes.
“Natural dye coaching is not new to the people of East Sumba. Our role is only to refresh their memory about all the benefits of using natural dyes for the traditional fabrics they produce. Nature in East Sumba has great potential for cultivating natural dyes that can support the sustainability of the natural color weaving tradition,” said WARLAMI Head Myra Widiono.
The training organized by Bakti BCA and WARLAMI is a testament to the company's commitment to positively impacting the community. BCA believes that optimizing community empowerment will positively impact ecosystem sustainability. This will create a mutually influential cycle to create a better life.
In 2022, Bakti BCA together with WARLAMI provided similar coaching to 28 weavers from the villages of Nekemunifeto, Bisene, Biloto, Kuanfatu, Nikiniki, Tuataum, and Kuale'u from South Central Timor Regency, NTT. In addition, last February Bakti BCA also completed the first training phase for 15 natural dye activists from Baduy, Kanekes Village, Lebak, Banten.
Picture Information I:
The atmosphere of naturally dyed traditional fabrics coaching 50 weavers from 5 villages and sub-districts in East Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara organized by PT Bank Central Asia Tbk and WARLAMI. This coaching is a form of BCA's support through Bakti BCA for cultural preservation and the development of naturally dyed traditional fabrics eco-fashion in East Sumba.
Picture Information II:
Padu Ata Ndima, one of the participants of the naturally dyed traditional fabric coaching in East Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara, said she was enthusiastic about participating in the activities held by PT Bank Central Asia Tbk and WARLAMI. According to her, she gained numerous new knowledge related to natural dyes from this training. Bakti BCA and WARLAMI seek to restore the tradition of natural color weaving in line with the increasing potential for developing an environmentally sound fashion industry.
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About PT Bank Central Asia Tbk (As of 31 March 2024)
BCA is one of the leading commercial banks in Indonesia with the core business of transaction banking. BCA also offers a full range of financial services in consumer, SME, commercial and corporate segments. By the end of March 2024, BCA has the privilege of serving more than 38 million customer accounts, processing around 90 million of daily transactions through a network of 1,258 branches, 19,055 ATMsas well as internet & mobile banking services and Halo BCA contact center that can be accessed 24 hours. BCA’s presence is complemented by a number of subsidiaries focusing on vehicle financing, sharia banking, securities, general and life insurance, digital bank, remittance as well as venture capital business. BCA is committed to building lasting relationships with customers, putting people first, and making a positive impact on society at large. With around 27,000 employees, BCA's vision is to be the bank of choice and a major pillar of the Indonesia economy
PT BANK CENTRAL ASIA TBK
Group Corporate Communication and Social Responsibility - CSR
Corporate Communication
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Jakarta Pusat 10310
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E-mail : corcom_bca@bca.co.id
