Traditional Indonesian Textiles Showcased During 'Fashion Show on Train'

The aisle serves as a catwalk during the fashion show. (JG Photo/Yudha Baskoro)

The National Alms Agency, or Baznas, presented an Islamic fashion show on the train connecting downtown Jakarta to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on Thursday afternoon to promote traditional Indonesian textiles produced by charity recipients.

Batik from Tuban, East Java, and woven textiles from Ende, East Nusa Tenggara, which form part of Rumah Batik & Tenun Indonesia's collection, were on display during "Fashion Show on Train."

Baznas established Rumah Batik & Tenun (House of Batik & Weaving) in December last year as part of its zakat community development program to empower traditional textile makers across Indonesia.

Zakat is an obligatory payment made annually under Islamic law on certain kinds of property and used for charitable and religious purposes.

Models wearing creations by a mustahiq, or person deserving of zakat, during Fashion Show on Train in Jakarta on Thursday. (JG Photo/Yudha Baskoro)

Baznas has been assisting textile makers from Sumurgung village in Tuban and Mbuliloo village in Ende through Rumah Batik & Tenun to produce ecofriendly textiles from natural materials.

Rumah Batik & Tenun has partnered with volunteer group Sahabat Pulau, or Friends of the Islands, to assist the batik makers and weavers.

"The batik makers and weavers use ecofriendly materials, so their products are reasonably priced," Baznas head Bambang Sudibyo said after the show.

A model shows off woven textile from Ende, East Nusa Tenggara. (JG Photo/Yudha Baskoro)

 Rumah Batik & Kain showed off 10 outfits, most made from Batik Tuban.

"This fashion show aims to showcase the creations of zakat recipients, which forms part of measures to improve their textile products and to introduce it to the wider public. Baznas hopes to improve the textile makers' economic situation and make them more independent," Bambang said.

He said the zakat recipients have seen their incomes doubling or even tripling after receiving assistance from Baznas.

"We do appreciate what Baznas has initiated. It is the first [fashion show] on the airport train," said Indah Suryandari, director for administration and finance at train operator Railink.

Warsinah, a batik maker from Tuban, said Baznas has been assisting 20 batik makers from her village since November last year by teaching them how to make Batik Tulis.

"Baznas is helping us with the marketing. Thank God, our incomes have increased," Warsinah said.

Batik makers from Sumurgung also have been tasked with revitalizing long-disused motifs, she said.

Outfits from Rumah Batik & Tenun were also showcased during Eco Fashion Week 2019, Puteri Kartini 2019 and several other fashion shows in various shopping malls. (JakartaGlobe)