Threads of Resilience
Empowering Women through Weaving
Our vision
We envision a future where Sumbanese women are empowered to continue to be the force behind the preservation of traditional heritage while gaining financial independence that enables them to support their families and actively contribute to the prosperity of the community.
Central to our vision is the empowerment of women, who play a pivotal role in our society and economy. Through skill development, education, and economic opportunities, we aim to uplift women, providing them with the tools and resources to thrive as leaders and entrepreneurs. By fostering an environment of inclusivity and equality, we aspire to create a society where every individual, has the opportunity to fullfil their potential.
Together, we are building a brighter future for Sumba, where tradition, women empowerment, and sustainable development interweave to create lasting positive change.
Karaja Sumba wants to work towards a future where local women are empowered to keep the ancient craft of ikat weaving alive, while also becoming financially independent so they have the means to escape domestic violence.
It all started in 2019, with a simple idea of our founder Asty Roswita Kulla: safeguard and ancient craft in modern times, and uplift the life of hundreds of women at the same time. Since then, the Karaja community has grown steadily and now has a total of almost 190 weavers spread across 18 different traditional villages (Kampung).
The villages where our weavers and their families live and create are located in Lamboya, West Sumba.
Although our community works with over 15 villages, currently only two are open for visits. These are Kampung Letehakapuna and Kampung Liling.
Village part of Karaja Community
Village part of Karaja Community open for experiences
Lamboya region
A word from our founder
Roswita Asti Kulla
How we support our Weavers
“I believe that women who gain financial independence in their community through weaving can escape the cage of violence. Women can help break the chain of poverty in the Indonesian 3T* territories by providing economic growth and a better life for their family. All while preserving cultural wisdom and nature to enable a sustainable way of life.”
Asty Roswita Kulla, founder of Karaja
*Tertinggal (Underdeveloped), Terdepan (Frontier) and Terluar (Remote), which includes Sumba
Without the support of the weavers, I would never have been able to found Karaja. Thanks to them, Karaja was able to grow into the community we have today.
An important partner from the very beginning was Apliana R. Peda, from Letekahapuna village. She was the teacher and trainer for the weavers. Her passion for teaching patterns and making colours from natural dyes has kept the community alive to this day. Her enthusiasm to support other mothers is unwavering. She passed away in 2023, but has left a legacy thanks to her commitment to the community through the young weavers.
In her own words: “Women, don’t be afraid, you will be listened to, don’t wait and just get started! Because we are mothers who have the ability to fight for our lives. Let’s work together, because we are Sumbanese women raised by our ancestors”.
We provide financial stability by buying finished ikats upfront, at a price that reflects and values the months-long process. More and more machine-made ikats are being sold on the island, resulting in a decreasing price per piece. Selling their ikats at such a low price is demeaning to their labour and does not allow them to earn a decent living.
Karaja sells then sells these at a small profit margin, which enables our organisation to give them the support they need, organise trainings, reintroduce natural dyeing techniques and foster connections between the weavers to create a greater outreach.
Apliana R. Peda
About Sumba
Sumba may be one of the last unspoilt islands in Indonesia, but it is also one of the poorest in the country. Its lush nature and unique animist culture, also known as the Marapu religion, have made the island an increasingly popular tourist destination, which has led to rapid growth opportunities through foreign investment.
The lack of basic education increases the risk that the local population will not benefit from the growing economic opportunities. As a result, cases of domestic violence and human trafficking are on the rise.
Ikat is synonymous with Sumbanese culture and is also in danger of being lost. Karaja’s mission is to keep the unique craft alive while helping to ensure that it becomes a decent source of income for the most vulnerable.