TORAJAMELO

Torajamelo is increasing the capacity of communities across Indonesia through collaboration to empower the women who participate in weaving.

"Our weavers are from excluded communities who practice the art of backstrap-loom weaving, a heritage craft that dates back almost 1000 years. This directly contributes to the continuity and sustainability of the culture and tradition of weaving. Through this, we are supporting the survival and revival of Indigenous motifs" says Medina Rahma Putri of Torajamelo.

MISSION

One of Torajamelo’s planned initiatives is to work with and support local communities in registering a geographical indication (GI) for their Indigenous motifs and patterns to identify acknowledgement of quality and reputation by the local authorities and government.

Torajamelo’s key social initiatives have always been focused on green and ethical fashion practices achieved by collaborating with and educating the community, partnering with sustainable manufacturers, and always keeping the motto ‘with the earth in mind and with our weavers at heart’ in all their processes. Torajamelo uplift the economic status of weavers by providing additional sources of income through retail and also commit to exploration of regenerative agriculture and circular economy with a decentralized model. Pro-bono workshops and training on all aspects of business development are also conducted.

A GREEN SUPPLY CHAIN

The weavers of Torajamelo are working toward a green supply chain by recalibrating their end to end process, not just for their benefit but to share the practice with the fashion industry for a greater impact. Advocating and implementing ethical fair trade and sustainability is at the core of Torajamelo’s practices.

Government acknowledgment of GI and support from Torajamelo means traditional communities are able to claim the right to their heritage, sustain it and champion cultural sustainability.

Torajamelo works with 1100+ women weavers from Indigenous communities in the islands of Sulawesi and East Nusa Tenggara in Indonesia and across 10 communities in rural Indonesia. There is a focus on the cultural, environmental and social sustainability of the communities. It is not simply a process of purchasing weaving products and fabrics from the community, but immersing into and collaborating with the community through conducting workshops and offering aid when needed such as rebuilding Adonara and Lembata island following the impact of a cyclone.

OUR COMMITMENT

As a member of the Cultural Intellectual Property Rights Initiative® Torajamelo aims to support the continuity of the culture of weaving and Indigenous arts and crafts by collaborating with our community of women weavers.