An immersive presentation inspired by the spirit of harvest thanksgiving, celebrating the abundance of the land through creativity, exploration, and collaboration. Centred around Ulos Sadum and Ulos Tumtuman, both as a traditional Batak handwoven textile and as a source of inspiration for contemporary weaving, the showcase brought together designers and artisans in a dialogue between heritage and modern expression.
Jakarta, 4 December 2025 — Sopo Del joined forces with Tobatenun, the Indonesian brand dedicated to reimagining Batak handwoven textiles through continuous innovation rooted in the richness of the archipelago, to present MAULIATE, a programme centred on gratitude. Conceived as an expression of thanksgiving for God's blessings and the abundance of Indonesia's natural resources, the programme reflects the values that sustain Tobatenun's mission to revitalise Batak cultural heritage while fostering the growth of Indonesia's textile-based creative economy. MAULIATE also marked the collaboration between Sopo Del Tower, as an inventive creative venue, and the new Studio & Gallery Tobatenun in preserving and celebrating Batak culture within the heart of Jakarta.
Inspired by Gotilon, the Batak harvest thanksgiving tradition, MAULIATE transformed the lobby through botanical installations that celebrated the richness of Indonesia's botanical resources and the fertile landscapes of North Sumatra. Gratitude was expressed not only through the presentation itself, but also through meaningful action. A portion of the proceeds from MAULIATE was donated to communities in North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Aceh affected by devastating flash floods, extending the spirit of solidarity to families and communities in need.
MAULIATE served as a platform for creative collaboration and diverse interpretations of Batak handwoven textiles. Tobatenun invited Indonesian designers, Rinda Salmun and contemporary label KANTITA, to reinterpret both traditional and contemporary Batak-inspired handwoven textiles through their distinctive silhouettes. At the heart of the presentation was the Jungkit technique—more widely recognised as supplementary weft or songket weaving—where additional weft threads are meticulously inserted to create raised decorative motifs. This intricate craftsmanship was showcased through two of Batak's most celebrated textiles: Ulos Tumtuman and Ulos Sadum.
Highlighting the artistry of the Jungkit technique, Rinda Salmun presented a contemporary reinterpretation of Ulos Sadum, woven by artisans in Pematangsiantar using traditional non-mechanised handlooms (Alat Tenun Bukan Mesin or ATBM). KANTITA introduced a ready-to-wear collection that combined Batak handwoven textiles with modern silhouettes, drawing inspiration from the motifs of Ulos Mangiring as well as Batak traditional architecture, including Jabu Bolon and Siwaluh Jabu. The presentation also featured Studio Jeje, showcasing contemporary kebaya adorned with intricate beadwork, alongside Maison Obscura, whose menswear collection explored a variety of silhouettes through both traditional Jungkit-woven textiles and contemporary creations inspired by Batak handweaving motifs.
As an expression of gratitude, MAULIATE was held at Sopo Del Tower, a development by Toba Pengembang Sejahtra. Located in the heart of South Jakarta, Sopo Del Tower serves as a central hub for business and industry while providing a flexible venue for creative collaboration and innovation.
As a social enterprise, Tobatenun is committed to preserving Batak cultural heritage through handwoven textiles, advancing sustainable fashion, and empowering women through Yayasan Rumah Komunitas Wastra. The foundation oversees two community-based initiatives in Pematangsiantar, North Sumatra—Jabu Bonang and Jabu Borna—which serve respectively as a creative weaving studio and a natural dye laboratory for artisans.
The programme was sponsored by Toba Pengembang Sejahtra and supported by MAKE OVER by ParagonCorp, 2ICONS, Everbest, Manjusha, Altruva Clinic, and Dapoer MM.