Indonesia is well-known for its diverse cultures, and its local heritage goes beyond just entertainment and fashion. The stories of Nusantara culture hold important lessons that can be applied to business perspectives. For instance, Tenun, a traditional woven cloth, has a rich philosophy behind it that can be explored further, as demonstrated by Du Anyam’s social entrepreneurship journey in creating meaningful corporate souvenirs. 

A Deep Look Into Tenun Nusantara

From the distinctive Ulos from Batak tribe in North Sumatra to Ikat woven by Flores women, each type of local textile embodies an identity and cultural heritage reflective to its origin place. 

However, they typically share one commonality that is the intricate weaving process. While they may vary in details, the general rules in making these local woven fabrics often involve several stages, beginning with the preparation of materials such as thread, cloth, and weaving tools. The next phase is the weaving process itself, which may entail coloring, drying, and finishing stages, among others. 

The art of weaving, believed to have originated around 5000 BC, persists to this day – much like the cyclical nature of life or a business operation. From the skilled hands of female weavers to the final product, the journey of woven cloth endures, even as its presence and significance are slowly diminishing over time in the modern world. 

In an effort to preserve the cultural significance of Tenun, The Ministry of Education & Culture is advocating for its recognition as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) item. The goal is to maintain its presence and the values it represents for future generations to come. This serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving cultural heritage and tradition, especially in the face of modernity and progress

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5 Business Learning Points From The Tenun Philosophy

1. Preparation is Key

In producing a quality Tenun, the output is heavily influenced not only by the weaving process but also by the extensive preparation beforehand. For example, the Ikat woven cloth from Flores requires an elaborate preparation process. This begins with unraveling threads, tying each according to the desired patterns, then coloring through a dipping process.

The threads generally take 2-3 days to dry before then going through another unraveling process to be finally woven as a whole, which can take over a week to complete. Similarly, the business preparation stage cannot be hastily constructed. Critical factors such as identifying risks, having a clear business direction, funding and managing resources necessitate meticulous planning to ensure success. 

2. Perseverance is an Asset

A weaving process is a manual undertaking, unlike mass production that utilizes industrial machinery. Female weavers have to devote considerable time and high levels of concentration to unraveling threads and working with traditional weaving equipment. The handmade process invariably requires a substantial time commitment, with weavers often taking up to a year to produce a single piece of Tenun. 

In the business world, perseverance is critical for achieving goals, navigating obstacles and thriving ahead of your competition. There are more than a few exemplary business figures who stood by this virtue, such as Bob Sadino and Anthony Salim, who have shown unwavering determination in becoming successful entrepreneurs. 

3. Hone Your Skills To Success

What sets a skilled weaver apart from a beginner is their experience and dedication to the craft. The more a weaver practices and hones her skills, the more intricate and sophisticated designs she can create. This also reflects in the neatness and quality of their output, a fruit of hard work and commitment over time. 

Similarly, it’s important for a growing entrepreneur to have a long-term mindset instead of instant gratification. A successful brand must continuously strive to enhance the skills and expertise, making it more valuable over time. Just like a professional weaver who hones their craft to achieve maximum profit, entrepreneurs should constantly work on improving their abilities and knowledge to succeed in their ventures.  

4. Innovation Pays Off

Tenun is often synonymous with a piece of heritage from ancient times, but this woven cloth has actually evolved with the changing times. There are several types of Tenun that have been reworked into semi-traditional or machine-made products. There are also Tenun fabrics that can be modified and combined with modern fashion. 

In the current era of technology and global market, it’s important for an entrepreneur to move on from old ways and embrace new methods when it is time. In doing so, it does not have to translate to abandoning the unique features of identity of the business. Rather, it’s about increasing efficiency and adapting, much like Tenun in the modern times. To survive the evolving market, businesses must dare to innovate and stay relevant with the trends. 

5. Grow Alongside Community

Weaving may seem like an individual project, but in practice, it’s a team effort that can provide a steady income for the local community. At Du Anyam, the weaving mamas work hand-in-hand while motivating and encouraging each other to achieve a high-value collective result. 

For a business to advance, networking and participating in similar communities can be a great way to explore new opportunities. Sharing information, support, tips and other collaborations can be a great way to grow a brand. 

Du Anyam is a social enterprise that strives to make a positive impact on Indonesian society by promoting and preserving its rich cultural heritage. We offer a diverse range of cultural products and engaging social programs, providing opportunities for collaboration and mutual benefit.

Our latest Tenun Gift Set is a prime example, featuring a unique blend of hand-woven crafts and traditional Indonesian fabrics. The Ama Gena collection makes for an elegant and functional office souvenir or corporate gift that will stand the test of time.
Get in touch with Du Anyam today and support the preservation of Tenun through Ama Gena gift set collection