BCA Empowers East Sumba Weavers Through Sustainable Weaving Program

Preserving Cultural Heritage and Boosting Local Economy

PT Bank Central Asia Tbk (BCA), through its corporate social responsibility initiative Bakti BCA, has been actively preserving Indonesia's cultural heritage while empowering local communities. The bank's 'Pembinaan Wastra Warna Alam' program, conducted in collaboration with Perkumpulan Warna Alam Indonesia (WARLAMI), has made significant strides in revitalizing traditional Sumba weaving techniques using natural dyes ¹

Program Highlights

The program has successfully engaged 50 weavers from four communities in East Sumba: Kambatatana, Wukukalara, Kawangu, and Prai Kilimbatu. These weavers have been trained in natural dyeing techniques, enabling them to create high-quality, sustainable textiles that command higher market value ¹

Economic and Cultural Impact

The initiative not only preserves cultural heritage but also strengthens the economic prospects of local artisans. By adopting natural dyeing methods, the weavers can tap into the growing eco-fashion market, potentially increasing their income and improving their livelihoods. The program also includes the formation of a multi-purpose cooperative to support the weavers' economic activities ²

Collaborative Efforts

The success of the program is attributed to the collaboration between BCA, WARLAMI, and the local weaving communities. Celebrity ambassador Nicholas Saputra played a significant role in the program, engaging directly with the weavers and supporting the initiative ¹

Future Prospects

BCA plans to continue its support for local artisans through similar initiatives in other regions. The bank has already expanded its cultural preservation programs to other areas, including Timor Tengah Selatan, Baduy in Banten, and most recently, to songket weavers in North Sumatra ²