In search of Indonesian ikat

Unlike batik, the fabric is rarely found outside Indonesia - and the best cloth comes from East Nusa Tenggara

- Leyla Rose

Ikat weaving has provided paid work for women in Uma pura village, allowing them to contribute to the family income.

(PHOTOS: JOSH EDWARDS)

There are many cultural items that represent Indonesia on the world stage, but none quite as beautiful as ikat.

These intricately patterned woven textiles are an ancient art form, thought to have been brought to Indonesia more than 2,000 years ago by the Dong Son, a seafaring people from northern Vietnam who travelled and traded throughout Southeast Asia.

In the past, ikat was one of the more prestigious items originating for trade from this region, making its way to Singapore and beyond as part of a vast Southeast Asian maritime trading network.

My home island of Lombok has a longstanding ikat heritage. Villages such as Sukarara and Sade are major cultural centres where visitors can purchase pieces and see how the fabric is made.

Ikat can be found throughout the world's largest archipelago, including Sumatra, Java and Maluku, but I have been told many times it is in East Nusa Tenggara that the very best fabrics are produced.

Not only has the region maintained its weaving traditions over generations, but the fabrics here are also known for their intricate and distinctive motifs. And so I am travelling east to find the source of these fabrics and speak with locals who craft them.

My journey begins on the island of Flores, home to Komodo National Park. I am here aboard Katharina, one of two traditional wooden pinisi ships from tour operator SeaTrek, on routes that explore lesser-visited destinations in eastern Indonesia. My 12-day voyage (US$10,050 or S$13,000 a person) includes stops in the Banda Islands and the city of Ambon, as well as snorkelling and wildlife-watching.