Selvi Ananda Urges Young Weavers to Preserve Karangasem Geringsing

Amlapura — During a visit on Oct. 23, Selvi Ananda Gibran Rakabuming urged artisans in Tenganan Pegringsingan, Karangasem, to preserve the village’s Geringsing weaving tradition and called for younger people to continue the craft.

Selvi, the chairwoman of the National Crafts Council of Indonesia (Dekranas), visited the village in Manggis district with a delegation from Solidaritas Perempuan untuk Indonesia (Seruni) Kabinet Merah Putih. She met artisans and observed the production of the traditional cloth.

She drew attention to the age of many of the weavers and said the tradition needed a new generation. Dekranas, she said, was prepared to provide support if the younger artisans needed guidance. Geringsing is both an economic asset and a cultural tradition tied to the identity of Tenganan Pegringsingan.

Why Geringsing’s next generation matters

For visitors and foreign residents, the issue is more than the survival of a distinctive textile. Geringsing is made through skills passed down within the community, so the number of young people learning to weave will affect whether the craft remains a living practice rather than a heritage label. Its continuation also supports local livelihoods and the cultural profile of Tenganan.

The delegation also reviewed local crafts and community activities. The visit placed the weaving tradition alongside efforts to promote Karangasem’s small businesses and expand recognition of Geringsing without losing its defining character.

No new regulation or specific funding program was announced. Selvi appealed for regeneration among the weavers, while Dekranas stated its readiness to assist with training and preservation.

Sources

• Bali Post — Indonesian news outlet
• Detik Bali — regional news outlet
• bali.tribunnews.com
• nusabali.com
• Bali Portal News — regional news outlet
• denpost.id