The Ranggalawe Exhibition presents the common thread of bio-cultural diversity in Indonesian clothing in Yogyakarta.

KRJogja.com - YOGYA - The Sekar Kawung Foundation presents the Ranggalawe Exhibition: The Red Thread of Bio-Cultural Diversity of Indonesian Clothing at the Yogyakarta National Industrial Design Center from July 18–27, 2025.

This exhibition showcases the results of Sekar Kawung's collaborative journey with communities in various villages across the archipelago, such as Sungai Utik (West Kalimantan), Lambanapu (East Sumba), Dukuh (Bali), Beringin Tinggi (Jambi), Kerek (Tuban), and Karangasem (Klaten).

Ranggalawe comes from the word "Rangga," meaning red, and "Lawe," meaning thread, a symbol of connecting cultural knowledge woven across time and space.

This exhibition not only presents cultural and biodiversity archives but also brings together reflective works by artists and cultural figures, including Arahmaiani, Annisa Yuniar, Gogon, IDSBA, Marina Gosali, and Andi Firda Arifa.

Various works, such as visualizations of woven fabrics made from Bronnesian cotton, rante embroidery with bird motifs in the Tuban Gedog Weaving, and botanical paintings of natural dye plant species, reflect on the preservation of Indonesian textile culture and ecosystems.

Prima Milawati, an artist from the Indonesian Society of Botanical Artists, presented a painting of a teak tree—a plant that plays a multi-purpose role in the Tuban weaving process.

Meanwhile, Unike Nugroho (Keke) presented a work of Bronnesian cotton—a local brown cotton variety that inspired the weaving motif "Kembang Jati."

"Cotton is a very important species in the context of the Indonesian weaving ecosystem, because almost all Indonesian weaving is made from cotton spun and woven independently by communities. There are white cotton and brown cotton, both of which produce different colors and fabrics. This fabric motif is called the kembang jati motif," explained Keke.

This exhibition also serves as an educational space that brings together tradition, art, the environment, and community economic regeneration.

In line with the Sekar Kawung vision, this event is a concrete manifestation of promoting a culture-based regenerative economy and countering the fast fashion industry and carbon emissions through natural and sustainable textiles.

In addition to the exhibition, Ranggalawe also features an eco-friendly product bazaar, daily curatorial tours, and a series of thematic workshops and weaving classes.

The bazaar showcases local brands such as Lemari Lila, Harubaru, House of GeKiORi, and others that consistently use natural materials and traditional dyeing techniques.

Workshops held daily throughout the exhibition will cover various themes such as batik embroidery, natural dye production, meditation, and denim re-creation. A Weaving Class scholarship program with Tenun Aulya is also available, guiding participants through the weaving process.

The event opened with remarks from a representative of the Mayor of Yogyakarta, followed by a keynote speech from Prof. Dr. Pascalis Maria Laksono, MA, and a symbolic opening by Prof. Ir. Wiendu Nuryanti, M.Arch., Ph.D., and Dr. Tri Hastuti Nur Rochimah. The opening session also featured a dance performance by Kinanti Sekar.

To close the event, a fashion show and talk show titled "Hulu ke Hilir: Discussion and Fashion Show" will be held, showcasing collections from House of GeKiORi and Lemari Lila, as well as an in-depth discussion on the clothing production process from seed to garment.

The exhibition is open to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily. Those interested in participating in a curatorial tour or workshop can register through the official link shared by the committee on the Ranggalawe Exhibition social media. (KN)

*This news was reported by Kedaulatan Rakyat Jogja https://www.krjogja.com/yogyakarta/1246319276/pameran-ranggalawe-hadirkan-benang-merah-keberagaman-bio-kultural-sandang-nusantara-di-yogyakarta?page=2 and originally written in Bahasa Indoensia