Medan, 5 November 2025 - PT Bank Central Asia Tbk (BCA), through its Bakti BCA program, together with the Perkumpulan Warna Alam Indonesia (WARLAMI), hosted a training on traditional fabric (wastra) making using natural dyes for 32 Malay songket weavers in North Sumatra at Maimoon Palace, Medan. The training, which took place on 4–6 November, is a concrete manifestation of BCA’s support for cultural preservation as well as the development of eco-fashion natural-dyed fabrics in various regions.
The opening of the training program for natural-dyed Malay songket weaving in North Sumatra was attended by Seripeduka Sultan Deli XIV Tuanku Mahmud Aria Lamanjiji Perkasa Alam, Chairperson of the Regional National Crafts Council (Dekranasda) of Medan City Airin Rico Waas, and WARLAMI Chairperson Myra Widiono.
Similar to the wastra in other regions, North Sumatran Malay songket is a traditional fabric that reflects the uniqueness and local wisdom of its people since ancient times. North Sumatran Malay songket features motifs inspired by the natural beauty of the region. These motifs are woven into beautiful geometric patterns with stylization techniques that are pleasing to the eye. Many people admire the North Sumatran Malay songket for its distinctive characteristics.
“The beauty of the North Sumatran Malay songket is undeniable. However, at present many weavers have not yet mastered natural dyeing techniques. In fact, the use of natural dyes in North Sumatran Malay songket can enhance its appeal and selling value. Therefore, BCA together with WARLAMI support the preservation and empowerment of North Sumatran Malay songket weavers through the use of natural dyes. This program aims to help weavers master natural dyeing techniques, use environmentally friendly materials, and produce sustainable woven products,” said BCA EVP of Corporate Communication & Social Responsibility Hera F. Haryn in Medan, Tuesday (4/11).
The natural dye weaving training is a manifestation of Bakti BCA’s commitment to preserving Indonesia’s cultural wealth while promoting entrepreneurship among local artisan communities. On this occasion, the training involved 32 weavers from five communities in Deli Serdang and Batu Bara Regencies, North Sumatra. The weavers are expected to understand and implement the process of producing wastra using natural dyes after completing the program.
According to Hera, the eco-fashion trend today brings opportunities for North Sumatran Malay songket to become more widely recognized. Therefore, the weavers are expected to be able to apply dyeing techniques using natural dyes and maintain their continuity so that North Sumatran Malay songket can increasingly be known as an environmentally friendly traditional fabric.
Currently, the use of natural dyes in the creation of woven fabrics is losing popularity compared to synthetic dyes. In addition to the longer production process, natural dyes are considered more difficult to use and more expensive than synthetic dyes. The training program from Bakti BCA and WARLAMI aims to revive the tradition of using natural dyes in North Sumatra.
“The beauty of the motifs of North Sumatran Malay songket and its weaving quality are the reasons for choosing this location for the training. By collaborating with experts from WARLAMI, BCA hopes that the knowledge and opportunities for developing naturally dyed North Sumatran Malay songket shared with these weaving communities will continue to grow. In this way, local artisan communities will not only preserve their traditions but also be able to compete in both local and global markets,” Hera said.
According to Market Research Future (2025), the global natural dye market value could reach US$7.2 billion by 2032, with an estimated annual growth of around 8.5% during 2026–2033. The market trend that increasingly values environmental impact in production processes has become the main driver of the popularity of natural dyes.
The training in North Sumatra is not the first for BCA in supporting the development of Indonesia’s natural-dyed wastra tradition. BCA has previously held similar programs for several groups of weavers and wastra artisans in South Central Timor and East Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), as well as in Baduy, Banten.
Picture Information 1,2, and 3:
BCA Hosts Natural Dye Weaving Training for 32 Malay Songket Weavers in North Sumatra - Seripeduka Sultan Deli XIV Tuanku Mahmud Aria Lamanjiji Perkasa Alam (second from right – photo 1), BCA EVP of Corporate Communication & Social Responsibility Hera F. Haryn (second from left – photo 1), Medan City Dekranasda Chairperson Airin Rico Waas (far right – photo 1), and WARLAMI Chairperson Myra Widiono (far left – photo 1) pose for a photo during the souvenir presentation ceremony at the opening of the Natural-Dyed Malay Songket Weaving Training in Maimoon Palace, Medan, on Tuesday (4/11). The training, held from 4–6 November, represents BCA’s commitment to preserving Indonesia’s cultural heritage while promoting the development of eco-fashion and natural-dyed traditional fabrics in various regions.
Picture Information 4,5, and 6:
BCA’s Support for Cultural Preservation and the Development of Eco-Fashion Natural-Dyed Fabrics in North Sumatra - The natural-dyed fabric training reflects Bakti BCA’s commitment to preserving Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage while fostering entrepreneurship among local artisan communities. The training, held in collaboration with the Indonesia Natural Dyes Association (WARLAMI), involved 32 weavers from five communities across Deli Serdang and Batu Bara Regencies, North Sumatra. The program aims to help the weavers master natural dyeing techniques, use environmentally friendly materials, and produce sustainable woven products. Upon completion of the program, participants are expected to understand and independently apply the process of creating wastra using natural dyes.
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About PT Bank Central Asia Tbk (as of 30 September 2025)
BCA is one of Indonesia's leading banks that focuses on transaction banking and provides credit facilities and financial solutions for corporate, commercial, SME, and consumer segments. At the end of September 2025, BCA served more than 43 million customer accounts, supported by 1,264 branch offices, 20,008 ATMs, as well as internet & mobile banking services and Halo BCA contact center that can be accessed 24 hours. BCA’s presence is supported by a number of subsidiaries that focus on vehicle financing, sharia banking, securities, general and life insurance, digital banking, remittances, and venture capital. BCA is committed to building long-term relationships with customers, prioritizing mutual interests, and creating a positive impact on society at large. With more than 27,000 employees, BCA’s vision is to be the bank of choice for the people and an important pillar of the Indonesian economy.
PT BANK CENTRAL ASIA TBK
Group Corporate Communication and Social Responsibility - CSR
Corporate Communication
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E-mail : corcom_bca@bca.co.id
