Silk weaving business sustainability as a cultural heritage of Indonesia: a case study in Wajo Regency, South Sulawesi

Abstract

This study was designed to probe into the sustainability of the silk weaving business as a cultural heritage in Wajo Regency, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, which is seen from the aspects of opportunities and challenges. To enact such a purpose, a case study was used in this research. Participants involved were silk entrepreneurs in Wajo Regency, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Data were garnered through three stages: 1) observation, 2) documentation, and 3) semi-structured in-depth interviews. Findings suggest that the silk weaving business as a cultural heritage continues to grow and gives an identity to Wajo Regency as a city of silk and a centre for selling silk fabrics in Indonesia. This is evidenced by a large number of silk weaving business units and the large number of workers absorbed, especially women, who can contribute to regional income and economic growth. This finding is influenced by several factors that provide opportunities, such as family economic education which continues to be passed down from generation to generation, capital assistance from banks, gender equality for weavers, and the adaptability of silk entrepreneurs. However, there are challenges in the sustainability of the silk weaving business in terms of limited local raw materials and the use of the Gedogan traditional loom which is rarely used even though it is a typical loom in silk weaving and is a cultural heritage in weaving. Based on the findings, the study suggests adaptive skills training for silk entrepreneurs and making silk weaving as an educational tourbe.