Global Solidarity: Japanese humanitarian volunteer, Tayuko Matsumura, with the women weavers of OKL Weaving Art in Railor Village. (ft. OKL)
Librarypost.com Malaka | In a profound display of global solidarity and cultural exchange, Tayuko Matsumura, a dedicated Japanese humanitarian volunteer from Okinawa, recently immersed herself in the traditional weaving sanctuary of OKL Weaving Art (a social entrepreneurship arm of the OKL Foundation) in Railor Village, Malaka.\
Affectionately known by the locals as “Kaka Tayu,” Matsumura, who is currently active with CIS Timor, took a strategic pause from her humanitarian duties to master the intricate ancestral techniques of Malaka’s hand-woven textiles (Tenun). With a professional background in illustration and a passion for natural indigo dyeing, her visit was not merely a hobby, but a cross-cultural exploration of indigenous craftsmanship.
“The weaving culture in Malaka is extraordinary and demands to be preserved. The techniques are fascinating,” expressed Matsumura, who remarkably fluently speaks both Indonesian and the local Kupang dialect.
During her residency in Tahak Debunaruk, Kaka Tayu delved deep into the traditional processes, from raw fiber preparation to the complex philosophy behind the motifs. Beyond the looms, she shared a deep connection with the local community, praising the warmth of the Malaka people and savoring local delicacies like Sagu Bakar and Jagung Bose.
Learning the Craft: Immersing in the intricate techniques of traditional Malaka weaving and natural dyeing processes (ft. OKL)
Beyond the Looms: Delivering social impact and empowering the local community in the borderlands of Malaka(ft. OKL)
Empowering the Next Generation
Her visit served as a powerful catalyst for the OKL Street Library’s Womenpreneurship collective. Matsumura provided mentorship and motivation to both senior and young weavers, emphasizing the global value of sustainable innovation and the use of natural dyes. She highlighted that the tradition of weaving among Railor’s women is a formidable pillar of social and economic resilience.
Oktavianus Klau Lekik, Founder of OKL Foundation, noted that such international interactions are vital. “Having a global perspective from someone like Kaka Tayu reinforces our mission at the Malaka Community Hub. It proves that our local heritage is a world-class asset that fosters international partnership (SDG 17) and gender equality (SDG 5).”
This grassroots synergy between a Japanese illustrator and Timorese weavers is a testament to the “Spirit of the Frontier”—where culture becomes a universal language of empowerment and peace. (BY OKL)
Action-based Partnership: Distributing social benefits to the community of Railor Village (ft. OKL)
Inspiring Innovation: Mentoring the Womenpreneurship collective on sustainable weaving practices. (ft. OKL)