Tenun Iban

With its extensive 2.3 million hectares of forest, Kapuas Hulu Regency plays a pivotal role in global climate stability. Kapuas Hulu is also home to the largest Dayak Iban community in West Kalimantan. The Dayak Iban community is well-known for the art of weaving, which is primarily carried out by women. Since ancient times, women weavers have used natural resources to dye their yarn, some plants can be cultivated near the houseyard, such as tumeric (Curcuma longa), rengat (Marsdenia tinctoria), mengkudu (Morinda citrifolis) and others. But many other plants live in forest ecosystems that are very high in biodiversity, such as ulin (Eusideroxylon zwagerii), tengkawang (Shorea sp), yellow root (Arcangelesia flava), and others. These natural materials have a distinctive colour character, where weavers must continue to actively experiment by dyeing several times or even combining one dye with another to get the desired colour, although the final result is always unpredictable, but the process of obtaining beautiful and ethical colours is a separate experience for women weavers.

Utilising natural resources for dyeing woven fabric gained from the forest, they preserve a rich cultural tradition and actively conserve tropical forest biodiversity. Arising from the urgency to preserve woven culture, improve the local economy, and contribute to tropical forest conservation. Mahakara Tenun was established in 2021, promoting conservation education in Dayak Iban culture and the importance of forests for the local community. This initiative's movement goal is to sustain the weaving tradition, empower women and the young generation, and support the local economy through a fair trade scheme.