“Threads of Collaboration”
Event Openning Session
H.E. Andy Rachmianto
Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Union
Antwerp Central Station Great Hall
On 3 October 2026, the monumental Great Hall of Antwerp Central Station (Belgium) will transform into a vibrant runway celebrating the living heritage of Indonesian textiles. Organised by Native Indonesia in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Brussels as part of Indonesia Creative Week Belgium (ICWB), “UNRAVEL” brings together seven Belgian and six Indonesian designers. They reinterpret traditional fabrics, “Toba weaving”, “Sasirangan”, and “Songket” into contemporary fashion pieces that carry stories, identity, and craftsmanship into the present. Special guest: legendary Indonesian designer “Itang Yunasz”. Join designers, cultural leaders, diplomats, and creatives for an afternoon where tradition is deconstructed, reimagined, and shared across cultures. A unique moment where Indonesian heritage and Belgian creativity meet under one iconic roof.
Short summary of the speech by Governor of the Province of Antwerp Prof. dr. Cathy Berx
The speech introduces “IKATAN”, a fashion encounter between Indonesian and Belgian designers at Antwerp Central Station. It uses the metaphor of “threads and tracks”: individual stories and roots that can meet, cross and interweave without losing their own identity. Drawing on the “Trikon principles” of Ki Hadjar Dewantara, continuity (honour your roots), convergence (meet and learn from others), and concentricity (remain yourself), the speaker highlights how Indonesian textile heritage can dialogue with contemporary fashion.
Special tribute is paid to “Mister Itang Yunasz”, who embodies this balance: rooted yet open, distinct yet connected, always moving forward. The young designers from the “Vastraloka Fashion Competition” brought their work from Indonesia to Antwerp, while Belgian designers encountered Indonesian craftsmanship and stories in return. IKATAN thus becomes more than a show, it is a true cultural encounter. The speaker closes by conveying greetings from the Belgian Ambassador to Indonesia and wishing everyone an inspiring show that continues to connect Antwerp and Indonesia while letting every designer follow their own path.
