Strengthening Cultural Diplomacy Between Indonesia and Timor-Leste through Sikka Sarong Weaving as a Medium for Cultural Exchange

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FORMOSA NEWS - NTT - Sikka Weaving Strengthens Indonesia–Timor-Leste Cultural Diplomacy Through Cross-Border Exchange. Sikka ikat weaving from Flores, Indonesia, is emerging as a powerful tool for cultural diplomacy between Indonesia and Timor-Leste. A 2026 study by Agustinus Lambertus Suban of Nusa Nipa University highlights how traditional textiles can foster cross-border collaboration, cultural understanding, and economic opportunity. Published in the Asian Journal of Community Services, the research documents a series of cultural exchange activities culminating at the Tais Market Festival in Dili in March 2026 an event that demonstrated the growing relevance of cultural diplomacy in Southeast Asia. The findings matter because they show how grassroots cultural practices such as weaving can complement formal diplomacy. At a time when regional cooperation is increasingly important, the study offers a practical model for strengthening ties through shared heritage and community engagement.

Cultural Heritage Meets Regional Diplomacy
Sikka weaving, originating from Sikka Regency in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, is more than a traditional craft. Each motif carries symbolic meaning tied to social status, kinship, and spiritual beliefs. However, like many traditional practices, it faces challenges from modernization, declining youth interest, and limited international exposure. Timor-Leste shares a similar textile tradition known as tais, which plays a central role in its cultural identity. Despite these similarities, direct engagement between Indonesian and Timorese weaving communities has historically been limited. Most promotional efforts for Indonesian textiles have focused on global exhibitions rather than regional cultural exchange. This gap provided the foundation for Suban’s initiative, which positioned Sikka weaving as a medium for cultural interaction and diplomacy between neighboring countries with shared heritage.

Simple, Participatory Approach
The research is based on a community service program conducted from December 2025 to March 2026. It used a participatory and collaborative approach involving weavers, traders, academics, and cultural activists.

The program unfolded in three main stages:

• Preparation in Maumere, Flores, including coordination with local weavers and traders.
• Cultural exchange in Timor-Leste, centered on participation in the Tais Market Festival (March 4–7, 2026).
• Follow-up activities, including academic meetings and evaluation sessions.

At the festival, the Indonesian team presented Sikka woven sarongs through interactive exhibitions. Visitors were invited to learn about the meaning behind each motif and engage directly with the artisans. This approach encouraged dialogue rather than one-way promotion. The team also held meetings with academics from three universities in Dili: Dili Institute of Technology (DIT), Universidade da Paz (UNPAZ), and Universidade Nacional Timor Lorosa’e (UNTL). These discussions focused on long-term collaboration in research, education, and cultural preservation.

Key Findings from the Field

The study identifies several significant outcomes from the cultural exchange program:

• Stronger cultural interaction between Indonesian and Timorese weavers through direct dialogue.
• Active knowledge exchange, including techniques, motifs, and cultural philosophies.
• Formal academic partnerships established with three universities in Timor-Leste.
• New economic opportunities, especially through cross-border product marketing.
• Agreement to hold joint workshops on cultural diplomacy through weaving.

Festival participants showed strong interest in Sikka weaving. Many visitors, previously unfamiliar with Flores textiles, asked about purchasing options and expressed appreciation for the cultural narratives embedded in the fabrics. Discussions also addressed broader issues, including the sustainability of traditional crafts, the need to involve younger generations, and the balance between preserving cultural authenticity and adapting to market demands.

Economic and Social Impact
Beyond cultural exchange, the program has tangible economic implications. Conversations between traders at Tais Market in Dili and sellers in Maumere opened pathways for cross-border trade.

• Timorese traders expressed interest in selling Sikka sarongs.
• Indonesian sellers showed willingness to market tais products.
• Cross-marketing models could increase income for artisans in both countries.

These developments align with previous findings that traditional weaving can serve as a foundation for creative economies, particularly for women artisans. Socially, the program strengthens cultural identity and community pride. Direct involvement of local weavers fosters ownership and encourages younger generations to see traditional crafts as viable economic opportunities rather than outdated practices.

Author Profile
Agustinus Lambertus Suban is a researcher and academic affiliated with Nusa Nipa University, Flores, Indonesia. He specializes in cultural diplomacy, community empowerment, and the development of creative economies based on local heritage. 

Sources
Suban, Agustinus Lambertus. 2026. Strengthening Cultural Diplomacy Between Indonesia and Timor-Leste through Sikka Sarong Weaving as a Medium for Cultural Exchange. Asian Journal of Community Services, Vol. 5 No. 4, hlm. 195–204.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/ajcs.v5i4.16
URL: https://journalajcs.my.id/index.php/ajcs