JAKARTA | INDATANEWS.COM - The Dekranasda (Regional Council of the National Crafts Council) of Deli Serdang Regency showcased the work of local designer Halimah in collaboration with Iwaraki Tenun on the stage of the BTN Indonesia Fashion Week (IFW) 2026 in Jakarta on Sunday, August 2, 2026. The fashion collection, crafted from locally produced Tenun fabrics, presented the cultural identity of Deli Serdang through a modern and elegant design concept.
Several models presented collections that combined the richness of traditional regional textiles with contemporary design elements. The creations represented
Dekranasda Deli Serdang's efforts to promote the potential of local culture through the creative economy while creating greater opportunities for regional products to gain recognition at the national level.
The collaboration between designer Halimah and Iwaraki Tenun reflects an effort to develop traditional fabrics so they can achieve greater aesthetic and economic value. On the national fashion stage, the region's distinctive Tenun fabrics appeared not only as symbols of cultural heritage but also as creative products capable of competing within the modern fashion industry.
Deli Serdang Brings Cultural Identity to National Fashion Stage
Chairwoman of Dekranasda Deli Serdang Regency, Jelita Asri Ludin Tambunan, expressed her appreciation for the opportunity given to her region to showcase local creations at the prestigious fashion event.
"Alhamdulillah, we have just witnessed the works from
Deli Serdang being presented at Indonesia Fashion Week. This creation is the result of a collaboration between designer Mrs. Halimah and Mrs. Iwaraki Tenun. The result is extraordinary, very luxurious, and beautiful, while still preserving the cultural identity of
Deli Serdang," Jelita said.
According to Jelita, Deli Serdang's participation in IFW 2026 was an important moment to strengthen the position of regional Wastra art. She emphasized that traditional fabrics must continue to be developed so they are not only preserved as cultural heritage but also provide economic benefits for the community.
"It is not only about appearing on a fashion stage, but about how our culture continues to live, develop, and create economic value for society," she added.
Jelita also expressed her appreciation to the Chairman of Dekranasda North Sumatra, Bobby Nasution, and all parties involved in making it possible for Deli Serdang's creations to be presented at IFW 2026.
She also acknowledged the contribution of IFW 2026 Organizing Committee Chairwoman Poppy Dharsono, the main sponsor BTN, as well as all organizers and stakeholders who contributed to the success of the fashion event.
SHOWCASING DELI SERDANG'S CULTURAL IDENTITY: Chairwoman of Dekranasda Deli Serdang, Jelita Asri Ludin Tambunan, appreciates the presentation of regional creations highlighting the cultural identity of Deli Serdang at Indonesia Fashion Week 2026. (PHOTO: Edi Saputra)
Fashion as a Medium to Promote Culture and Tourism
Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana stated that designers play a strategic role in introducing Indonesia's cultural wealth through innovative fashion creations that adapt to current developments.
According to her, fashion works do not only offer aesthetic value but can also serve as a medium to introduce the origins of regional textiles, their production processes, and the cultural stories behind them.
She explained that public interest in a fashion creation could encourage greater curiosity about the origin of a fabric-producing region. This could encourage tourists to visit the area directly and experience the local culture more closely.
Therefore, culture-based fashion development has a strong connection with the tourism and creative economy sectors. Designers' creations can build a bridge between tradition, creativity, and economic opportunities for regional communities.
STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY ECONOMY: North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution views North Sumatra's cultural heritage as a major potential to strengthen the economy through the fashion industry. (PHOTO: Edi Saputra)
North Sumatra Strengthens Heritage-Based Fashion Industry
North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution stated during the closing of IFW 2026 that North Sumatra has significant potential to become one of the driving regions of Indonesia's fashion industry, supported by cultural strength and the creativity of local designers.
"The cultural heritage that has been passed down to us, especially from North Sumatra, can strengthen the economy of the people in North Sumatra and the national economy, particularly in the fashion sector," Bobby said.
Bobby emphasized that North Sumatra's diverse Wastra traditions have great opportunities to gain wider recognition both nationally and internationally. He believes the development of culture-based fashion can become a strategy to strengthen the economic condition of communities.
Meanwhile, IFW 2026 President Poppy Dharsono highlighted the importance of maintaining a balance between fashion industry development and the cultural values behind each creation.
She explained that the theme "Ulos Simetria" serves as a reminder that tradition and innovation are not opposing elements. Both can be developed together to shape the future of Indonesia's fashion industry without losing its cultural character.
Through the presence of
Deli Serdang creations at IFW 2026, regional Wastra art has once again gained space to grow and reach a wider audience. The collaboration between the regional government, designers, and creative economy stakeholders represents an important step in ensuring the sustainability of cultural values while creating new economic opportunities.
(IDNC)REPORTER: Edi Saputra | EDITOR: Fik Sagala