Aceh — The enthusiasm of the young generation of Aceh in preserving weaving as a cultural heritage is increasingly evident through the Weaving Creation Training organized by Aneuk Muda Aceh Unggul Hebat (AMANAH). This training took place at the Amanah x Kutaraja Weaving House, Banda Aceh City.
Sely Aprilia, a young weaver from Bener Meriah Regency, expressed her enthusiasm for the training.
“I have been attending this training for the second day. I feel that this activity is very useful for the younger generation in continuing the weaving culture,” said Sely.
In order to take part in the training, he was willing to travel for hours to get to the location.
The Aceh Weaving Creation Training was attended by weavers from various regions in Aceh Province, with a focus on young participants. During the training, participants were introduced to more sophisticated weaving techniques and tools, including Non-Machine Weaving Tools (ATBM), compared to the heavier and more ancient manual weaving tools they usually use.
“The looms here are more compact and lighter, and easier to use than the ones we usually use in the regions,” he added.
He hopes that this training can be a momentum for the regeneration of craftsmen and increase innovation in Acehnese weaving crafts, which have so far been underdeveloped due to a lack of innovation.
With the theme “Knitting Stories in Motifs,” the training also taught participants to depict local cultural stories in their woven motif designs. Sely chose the bungong seulanga motif, a typical Acehnese flower, as the learning material in this training.
In addition to training, AMANAH has also made other efforts to support weaving artisans, including building a weaving production facility in collaboration with the Kutaraja artisan community. This program is part of President Joko Widodo’s initiative to advance the local craft industry. AMANAH also provides assistance in the form of weaving equipment and raw materials, which aims to strengthen the capacity and ability of artisans to produce high-quality products.
With the support of AMANAH and ongoing efforts in training and promotion, it is hoped that Aceh’s traditional weaving crafts can continue to be preserved and developed, as well as introduce the richness of Acehnese culture to future generations.