Explore deep into the vibrant tapestry Iban woven textile with Mahakarya Tenun, where every pattern holds a story waiting to be told. Our exploration unravels the intricate patterns of Iban woven fabrics while connecting communities, cultures, and forests through Iban woven textiles in Kapuas Hulu, West Kalimantan, Indonesia. 

Located within the heart of Borneo, Kapuas Hulu Regency captivates with its stunning tropical forest landscape comprised of various ecosystems with meandering rivers that have become the source of life for local communities. Amidst the towering trees and dense undergrowth, diverse species of flora and fauna thrive, including charismatic wildlife species such as orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus), Bornean clouded leopards (Neofelis diardi borneensis), and rhinoceros hornbills (Buceros rhinoceros). The paleontropical forest of Borneo serves as an important habitat for wildlife species, providing vital environmental services and playing a crucial role in carbon sequestration and mitigating climate change.

Known as the last fortress for nature and culture conservation, Kapuas Hulu Regency is predominantly settled by the Dayak Iban community, which still maintains their intertwined relationship with the forest through rituals and practices. For centuries, the Dayak Iban have called this land home, preserving their traditions, customs, and ancestral knowledge. Their traditional longhouse communities, where extended families live together in communal dwellings, foster strong bonds of kinship and community spirit. Rooted in ancestral beliefs, the Dayak Iban revere the spirits of nature and ancestors, infusing their daily lives with rituals and ceremonies aimed at honouring and praising these spiritual entities.

In recent years, Kapuas Hulu Regency has emerged as a promising destination for ecotourism, drawing travellers eager to explore its pristine wilderness and immerse themselves in its rich cultural heritage, as well s non-governmental  organisations to engage with local communities that preserve nature. However, as the pressures of modernization and development (especially after the capital Indonesia has been moved to East Kalimantan) encroach upon these landscapes, there is a growing urgency to conserve both its natural and cultural heritage. Through sustainable practices and collaborative efforts, we can ensure that Kapuas Hulu Regency continues to stand as a stronghold of biodiversity and cultural diversity, preserving its enchanting landscapes and traditions for generations to come.