Sumba, 14 December 2025– PT Bank Central Asia Tbk (BCA), through Bakti BCA as the platform for its corporate shared value (CSV) initiatives, reaffirms its commitment to preserving weaving cultural heritage and promoting the use of natural dyes. This commitment is realized through the Natural Dyeing Training for Woven Fabric (Pembinaan Wastra Warna Alam) program, including its support for a weaving community in East Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara.
The highlight of the Natural Dyeing Training for Woven Fabric program series throughout 2024–2025 was marked by the introduction of traditional fabrics (wastra) created by East Sumba weavers, held on Friday (12/12). The event involved 50 weavers from four weaving groups, including Kambatatana, Wukukalara, Kawangu, and Prai Kilimbatu. The event, held in collaboration with the Indonesia Natural Dyes Association (WARLAMI), was attended by Bakti BCA Ambassador Nicholas Saputra, BCA Corporate Social Responsibility VP Titi Yusnarti, BCA Corporate Communication VP Mas Wendiyanto Saputro, and WARLAMI Chairperson Myra Widiono.
BCA Corporate Communication & Social Responsibility EVP Hera F. Hary said, “We view East Sumba weavers as guardians of Indonesia’s cultural heritage. One of the key challenges they face lies in mastering natural dyeing techniques amid the rapid growth of the eco-fashion industry. Through a capacity-building program implemented in collaboration with WARLAMI, BCA aims to ensure that the weavers’ skills are not only preserved and sustained, but also remain competitive in the modern market. This initiative is expected to reinforce Sumba weaving as a symbol of living cultural heritage while creating broader economic opportunities for local artisans.”
This traditional fabric collection features distinctive East Sumba motifs rich in philosophical meaning and deeply rooted in the community’s way of life. These motifs were later interpreted into poetic verses by East Sumba–born writer Diana Timoria, capturing the beauty of East Sumba through her works titled “Menenun Rasa, Mengikat Masa” and “Menenun Ingatan Tentang Tanah Marapu,” which were recited live during the event by one of the weavers. The verses are drawn from visual elements and symbols that have long existed in East Sumba’s weaving tradition, reflecting the community’s relationship with nature and the Marapu belief system.
In addition to elevating aesthetic appeal and cultural value, the use of natural dyes strengthens the position of East Sumba traditional fabrics within the sustainable eco-fashion market. Naturally dyed woven textiles offer higher market value and greater access to wider markets, creating opportunities for sustainable livelihoods for weavers and their families.
As part of the program, Bakti BCA Ambassador Nicholas Saputra engaged in a discussion with the weavers as a forum for dialogue and knowledge exchange. The activities continued with a hands-on session on natural dye processing, followed by a visit to a garden of natural dye plants developed by the weaving groups as part of the program’s outcomes.
Nicholas Saputra stated, “The Natural Dyeing Training for Woven Fabric program implemented by BCA and WARLAMI demonstrates that preserving tradition can go hand in hand with strengthening the community’s economy. With the right guidance, weaving is not only a cultural symbol but also capable of creating tangible added value for the lives of weavers.”
Woven textiles have long been deeply embedded in the social and economic life of East Sumba communities. Over time, however, natural dyeing practices were gradually set aside due to their time-consuming and complex processes. Through capacity-building initiatives by Bakti BCA and WARLAMI, this tradition is being revived through an approach that prioritizes environmental sustainability while improving the economic resilience of local artisans.
As part of its efforts to strengthen economic capacity, Bakti BCA also encourages and facilitates the establishment of a multipurpose cooperative made up of woven textile artisans. In addition to developing an economic ecosystem for East Sumba’s weaving industry, the cooperative plays a role in strengthening the institutional capacity of local weaving groups.
The Natural Dyeing Training for Woven Fabric program is one of Bakti BCA’s initiatives under the culture pillar (Bakti Budaya), which has been implemented since 2022 with the aim of preserving Indonesia’s weaving traditions while improving the capacity of local artisans. In addition to East Sumba, the program has been carried out in several regions across Indonesia, including South Central Timor and Baduy, Banten. Most recently, starting in 2025, BCA has extended its support to 32 Malay songket weavers from Deli Serdang and Batu Bara regencies in North Sumatra. BCA also supports market development for naturally dyed traditional fabrics through various strategic initiatives and the company’s marketing channels.
Picture Information 1 & 2:
BCA and WARLAMI Collaborate to Introduce Naturally Dyed Traditional Fabrics by East Sumba Weavers - Bakti BCA Ambassador Nicholas Saputra (top photo - center), together with BCA management and WARLAMI representatives, attended the Natural Dyeing Training for Woven Fabric program in East Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara, on Friday (12/12). The event marked the highlight of the Natural Dyeing Training for Woven Fabric program series throughout 2024–2025 implemented by Bakti BCA in collaboration with the Indonesia Natural Dyes Association (WARLAMI). A total of 50 East Sumba weavers from four weaving groups—Kambatatana, Wukukalara, Kawangu, and Prai Kilimbatu—were involved in the development of this naturally dyed traditional fabric collection.
Picture Information 3,4 & 5:
Bakti BCA Ambassador Provides Hands-on Support for the East Sumba’s Natural Dyeing Training for Woven Fabric Program - Bakti BCA Ambassador Nicholas Saputra engaged in a discussion with the weavers as a forum for dialogue and knowledge exchange. The activities continued with a hands-on session on natural dye processing, followed by a visit to a garden of natural dye plants developed by the weaving groups as part of the program’s outcomes. The Natural Dyeing Training for Woven Fabric program demonstrates that preserving tradition can go hand in hand with strengthening the community’s economy.
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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 - CCR
Corporate Communication
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Telephone : (021) 2358-8000
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E-mail : corcom_bca@bca.co.id
