WAVES OF WEAVE EXHIBITION JAKARTA: 10 NATIONS, ONE THREAD
Waves of Weave exhibition at the National Museum Jakarta: wastra from 10 Southeast Asian nations, kebaya, and Gusti Nurul.
At a glance
- Countries featured 10
- Pieces on display 42
- Dates 26 Oct 2026 – 8 Jan 2027
A dusty pink wall rises in a dim gallery. The word “Philippines” is pressed into it in tall letters, with spotlights glowing on the pale beams above. A few steps away, a long cloth lies flat, covered in brown and gold diamonds, its fringe spilling over the edge.
This is the Waves of Weave exhibition at the National Museum in Jakarta. It asks a simple question: what if the textiles of Southeast Asia are one family?
The Waves of Weave exhibition is a cultural show of traditional textiles (wastra) from 10 Southeast Asian countries, plus kebaya from five of them. It runs from 26 October 2026 to 8 January 2027 at the National Museum (Museum Nasional Indonesia) in Central Jakarta. It is open Tuesday to Sunday, 08:00–17:00 WIB, and a ticket costs IDR 50,000. Jakarta Fashion Week presents it with the Ministry of Tourism and the Indonesian Heritage Agency.
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What is the Waves of Weave exhibition?
It is built on one idea: textiles are a common thread between Southeast Asian nations. Techniques, motifs, and materials differ from country to country. But each tradition was passed down and built on, generation after generation.
The show uses two rooms to tell three stories. Together they cover kebaya, regional textiles, and one woman’s life.
What will you see in the first room?
The first room is about the kebaya. Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand all share it. In 2024, UNESCO added the kebaya to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage after those five nations nominated it together.
That is the surprising part: five countries, one garment, one joint application. Historical kebaya on display show both the shared roots and the small design differences between countries.
The same room also holds the textile collection. It covers Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Timor-Leste, Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, and Brunei Darussalam. Old cloths sit next to newer creations in an immersive installation.
Who was Gusti Nurul, and what is Suwung?
The second room, Suwung, shows kebaya, batik, and accessories that belonged to Gusti Raden Ayu Siti Noeroel Kamaril Ngasarati Kusumawardhani. Most people know her as Gusti Nurul, the “Flower of Mangkunegaran.” She was a noblewoman of Pura Mangkunegaran, known for her beauty, intelligence, and independent spirit.
After she married military officer R.M. Soerjo Soejarso, she gave up her noble status. She chose to live as an ordinary citizen.
“Suwung” is a Javanese idea of being free from ego and worldly attachment while staying fully aware. The room asks what freedom looks like when you let go of status.
“Beyond being merely textiles, wastra serves as a source of knowledge that documents various facets of a society’s life.”
Indira Estiyanti Nurjadin, Head of the Indonesian Heritage Agency
Who is behind the exhibition?
Benny Gratha, Assistant Curator at the Jakarta Textile Museum, curated the show. The pieces come from collectors and institutions, including Benny Hadisurjo, Griya Keniten in Karangasem, Bali, Pura Mangkunegaran, John Ang, and the National Heritage Board of Singapore. The embassies of Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, and Laos also contributed textiles.
Why does this exhibition matter?
The organizers call it an educational platform, especially for young Indonesians. The goal is to help a new generation appreciate textile and kebaya traditions. It also aims to start a conversation across Southeast Asia about shared heritage.
How do you visit the Waves of Weave exhibition?
Go to the National Museum on Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat, Central Jakarta. It is open Tuesday to Sunday from 08:00 to 17:00 WIB until 8 January 2027. Tickets are IDR 50,000. Go in the morning if you want the rooms quiet.
