Ecobiz.asia – INPEX Masela, LTD., a subsidiary of INPEX Corporation (INPEX), is empowering Tanimbar women through a training and capacity-building program for ikat weaving artisans in Latdalam village, South Tanimbar District, Tanimbar Islands Regency, Maluku.
This initiative is part of the company’s Community Development Program in Economic Empowerment area, conducted in the ring-1 area of the Abadi LNG Project’s operational zone.
The program is implemented in collaboration with Fince Watutamata, a renowned weaver and founder of the ‘Glora Saumlaki’ weaving shop, known for her expertise and dedication to preserving Tanimbar’s traditional ikat weaving.
Fince is serving as the program’s facilitator and mentor to the artisans in Latdalam.
The assistance provided includes weaving techniques, designing more attractive and marketable patterns, and marketing strategies. Through this initiative, the artisans are not only able to improve the quality of their woven products, but also to enhance their economic well-being through increased income.
“Our collaboration with INPEX has brought direct benefits to the weaving artisans in Latdalam village. We mentor the mama artisans so that their motifs and product quality meet market demands, enabling us to market their products,” said Fince.
One of the program participants is Mama Yoke, an ikat weaver from Latdalam village. “Praise God, we are very grateful for INPEX’s presence. Through the mentoring we received, we gained knowledge to make our weaving meet market preferences. We are also able to earn additional income from this activity,” said Yoke.
In addition to focusing on local economic empowerment, this program also aims to support the preservation of Tanimbar culture. The artisans educate the local community about the philosophy, symbolic meanings, and the weaving process as a cultural heritage that must be protected and preserved.
Tanimbar’s ikat weaving products have been showcased at various national and international events, including at the INPEX Booth during “The 49th Indonesia Petroleum Association Convention and Exhibition (IPA Convex)”, held on 20–22 May 2025 in BSD, Tangerang.
Tanimbar Ikat Weaving displayed at design Booth INPEX during IPA Convex
At the IPA Convex event, in addition to being featured in the booth’s showcase area, Tanimbar ikat weaving was also presented as a souvenir for visitors, many of whom came from various countries.
All the ikat textiles used by INPEX at the event were sourced directly from local communities. This reflects the company’s ongoing efforts to stimulate economic growth for the people especially women in the region.
Puri Minari, Senior Manager of Communication & Relations at INPEX Masela LTD, stated: “Showcasing Tanimbar ikat textiles is one of INPEX’s ways of supporting the promotion of local products made by women weavers on an international stage. We believe that this kind of promotion will help to increase the recognition of Tanimbar ikat and contribute to the growth of the creative industry in the Tanimbar Islands Regency.” ***