Behind every pull of thread in a piece of Sumbawa’s signature songket fabric, Kre Alang, lies a secret shaped by centuries. It is more than a textile; it is a living record of history, the prayers of ancestors, and the philosophical identity of the Samawa people, priceless in value. Yet this beauty now faces a quiet threat: the erosion of meaning among younger generations and vulnerability to unilateral claims in the absence of legal protection.
For Sumbawa, culture is not merely a relic of the past, but the foundation of future self‑reliance. From this awareness, the involvement of multiple stakeholders becomes a natural part of safeguarding heritage. PT Amman Mineral Nusa Tenggara (AMMAN), one of Indonesia’s largest copper and gold mining companies, views the preservation of Kre Alang as a shared responsibility—supporting the protection of Intellectual Property so that its value remains preserved, recognized, and legally safeguarded.
Aji Suryanto, Senior Manager of Social Impact at AMMAN, emphasizes the importance of legal instruments such as Individual Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and Communal Intellectual Property (CIP) in unlocking Sumbawa’s economic potential.
“The economic self‑reliance of the people of Sumbawa must not stand on fragile foundations. For AMMAN, registering Intellectual Property is not merely an administrative process; it is a collective effort to uphold the dignity and cultural sovereignty of the Samawa people. We are ensuring that this noble heritage does not remain a memory of the past, but becomes a legally protected engine of the creative economy for generations to come,” said Aji.
Securing Reputation Through Research and Concrete Action
AMMAN’s commitment has moved beyond intention into tangible action. One of its key focus areas is intensive assistance in Intellectual Property registration across multiple sectors:
- Preservation of Kre Alang: In collaboration with Universitas Samawa, AMMAN conducted in‑depth research to validate 50 traditional weaving motifs for registration as Communal Intellectual Property. This research addresses a critical “communication gap” between senior weaving masters and younger artisans, ensuring that each motif regains its spirit and a standardized name.
- Geographical Indications: Processing the registration of Kopi Rarak Ronges to secure the reputation and quality of local coffee, preventing imitation in broader markets.
- MSME Legal Protection: Supporting trademark registration for partner MSMEs, as well as copyright protection for 11 weaving motifs produced by the Mantar Berseri weaving group.
- Cultural Documentation: In partnership with the Bala Datu Ranga Museum, AMMAN has successfully registered important cultural expressions such as Basiram, Satenri Manik, and the Intan Kalanis Dance.
These efforts, however, cannot be carried out solo. Through dissemination forums involving local government, the Sumbawa Traditional Council (LATS), academics, and the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, AMMAN advocates for an ecosystem where culture is approached through accountable research and reinforced by robust legal protection.
By strengthening public literacy on the importance of Intellectual Property Rights and Communal Intellectual Property, we are not only protecting today’s creations. We are safeguarding ancestral heritage and building a resilient foundation for sustainable economic self‑reliance in Sumbawa.
