25 February 2026
Latin American Heritage in Every Thread
- COSH! Member Publicity
- Diversity
- Production
Have you ever touched a garment and felt there was more to it than just fabric?
With more than 17,000 islands and hundreds of ethnic groups, Indonesia and the Maluku Islands have developed a textile heritage as diverse and vivid as the archipelago itself. Batik, ikat, tenun, songket, each stitch and motif carries centuries of history, knowledge, community and identity. Batik alone was recognised by UNESCO in 2009 as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity, a tribute to an age-old tradition in which every pattern tells a story. Batik is, in fact, woven into the full arc of Indonesian life: from babies being carried in batik slings decorated with symbols to bring them luck to the deceased being wrapped in funeral batik.
The Netherlands is home to many people with Indonesian roots, a direct trace of its colonial past. In this article, you’ll discover how people of Dutch-Indonesian (‘Indisch’) heritage, or those with a deep love for the culture, use fashion as a way to honour that heritage.
The social context of Dutch-Indonesian cultural heritage
Before we continue, a quick note on the terms we use and the historical background. What’s the difference between Indonesian and Indisch?
Indonesian refers to the indigenous population of present-day Indonesia: Javanese, Balinese, Sumatrans and more than a hundred other ethnic groups.
‘Indisch’, or ‘Indische Nederlander’, is a term tied to colonial history: people with roots in the former Dutch East Indies, often of mixed European and Indonesian descent. Indo is the shorter, more informal variant of Indo-European, and is today embraced by many young people with Dutch-Indonesian roots as a marker of pride in a complex, layered identity.
To truly understand the heritage of this culture and community, you can’t skip past history. From the founding of the VOC (Dutch East India Company) in 1602, the Dutch built a colonial empire in Indonesia that ruled for centuries. From 1816, the territory was officially known as the Dutch East Indies (‘Nederlands-Indië’), until 1949, when the Netherlands, following a war of independence, returned sovereignty to the Republic of Indonesia. In the meantime, the colony generated a significant portion of Dutch state income, while the colonial power severely suppressed the Indonesian population.
This historical context makes the question of how we wear Indonesian heritage all the more relevant. And it makes the choice to support brands that design and produce with respect, honesty and collaboration all the more meaningful.
We spoke with four makers who translate their identity and respect for the culture into fashion and accessories. They collaborate with craftspeople, pay fair prices, are transparent about their approach, and share the story behind each piece.
Brands translating cultural heritage into fashion
Guave
Amsterdam brand with a love for Javanese batik
Guave was founded by Romée Mulder and Myrthe Groot and combines a deep passion for Javanese batik with a commitment to more responsible production. Their admiration for Javanese batik fabrics is clearly visible in the beautifully crafted pieces in their collection. Guave is dedicated to more ethical sourcing and works with small, independent businesses in Indonesia.
How has the cultural heritage of Indonesia inspired you to start Guave?
“We were both born in the Netherlands with Indonesian roots on our fathers’ sides, primarily from Java. We met at art school and decided to explore our family heritage together, as well as the historical ties between Indonesia and the Netherlands. This journey to understand our identity and its significance naturally went hand in hand with our passion for textiles and fashion.”
"We discovered that expressing and shaping our identity through clothing resonated deeply with us, which led us to discover the art of batik." Romée Mulder & Myrthe Groot - Guave
Why do you think it’s important to protect cultural heritage?
“For us, it’s important to promote batik as an age-old tradition. It represents stories and traditions passed down from mother to daughter, made with love and great care.
Our brand, Guave, reflects the essence of batik. We strongly believe that authentic craftsmanship must go hand in hand with more responsible production. Making batik takes time and dedication, resulting in a unique and valuable work of art. In a world dominated by fast fashion, genuine handmade batik stands apart through its unique character, in contrast to industrially printed versions. We strive to cultivate appreciation for the timeless crafts that have enriched our world for centuries.”
Did you notice, when starting the brand, how large companies from the Global North exploit cultural heritage?
“While setting up our brand, we were extremely careful and had countless conversations with people in the fashion and batik industries. We strongly believe in the importance of celebrating and promoting the craftsmanship of batik, so we don’t negotiate on the prices set by the skilled batik makers we work with. We also don’t interfere with their designs, as we recognise their expertise as true artists.
Transparency is a key element of our approach. We communicate openly with our customers and online followers, share the compelling stories behind the batik creations and explain the meaning of the motifs. We want to create a sense of connection and appreciation for this age-old craft. By informing our audience about the value of these fabrics and treating them with respect, we hope to honour the rich heritage of batik and ensure a lasting legacy.”
ChaPauw
Zero-waste design studio in Arnhem with a heart for craftsmanship
Chanel Pauw runs a creative zero-waste design studio at the heart of Arnhem’s fashion quarter. Under the label ChaPauw, she gives used denim fabrics a second life in clothing and accessories. Every piece of fabric counts, and every item is unique, with a raw edge and visible craftsmanship. Alongside her creative work, Chanel also runs workshops for children and young people in and around Arnhem.
Can you tell us more about your cultural background and the historical heritage of your culture?
“I’m half Dutch and half Moluccan. My Moluccan surname is Hurulean. My great-grandparents and grandparents came to the Netherlands by ship as KNIL soldiers (Royal Netherlands East Indies Army). They fought for the Netherlands, on the promise that their stay would be temporary and that they would be able to return to their own land. Unfortunately, that promise was never kept. On arrival in the Netherlands, they were housed in former concentration camps, living in barracks.
An important part of Moluccan history is the struggle for independence from Indonesia, which is reflected in the RMS (Republiek Maluku Selatan, the Republic of South Maluku) and is commemorated each year on RMS Day (25 April).”
"What is reflected most in my identity and my work is the resilience and perseverance that come from this history. I don't give up easily and keep fighting for what I want to achieve." Chanel Pauw - ChaPauw
Do you feel connected to your Moluccan roots?
“Absolutely. Family plays a central role in our culture. We’re often together and mark moments with lots of food, warmth and a sense of togetherness. I see this reflected in the way I organise things, always trying to create a warm and connected atmosphere. Music and dance are also important within Moluccan culture, with its own rhythms on the ‘tifa’ (a traditional drum) and dances that are often tied to families. I’m musical myself and dance a lot, which strengthens my connection to my culture. In addition, families in the Maluku Islands often have their own land, including sacred places, which makes the bond with our origins even stronger.”
How do you bring your cultural background into your style and designs?
“This is something I’m still developing progressively. A year ago, I visited the Maluku Islands and made genuine contact with my roots. That experience inspired me enormously and I want to translate it into my own collection in the future.
During my visit, I was particularly inspired by the Tifa, the Menari (traditional dance), and the traditional dress.
I’m also very drawn to the colours of the Moluccan flag and their meaning. Blue represents the sea surrounding the Maluku Islands and loyalty to our origins. White symbolises peace, the purity of the struggle, and the white beaches. Green represents fertility, nature and the hope of the land. Red refers to courage, fighting spirit and the blood of the ancestors.”
rEBEL REMAKE
A statement against throwaway culture
Marsha of rEBEL REMAKE believes in the power of what you already own. Her studio in Rotterdam is a place where second-hand clothing, vintage finds and forgotten garments get a new life. Do you have a piece you no longer wear but can’t bring yourself to let go of, because it carries memories? Marsha transforms it into something you’ll actually wear. Broken, too small, no longer your style? She’ll rework it for you. And with a wardrobe session, she helps you look at what’s already in your wardrobe with fresh eyes: new combinations, conscious choices.
Can you tell us more about your Indisch background and the historical heritage of this culture?
“From my ‘Indisch’ (Dutch-Indonesian) roots, I love working with batik clothing. The striking colours and patterns tell a story and are made with love and craftsmanship. You can see it. Each motif often carries a deep meaning, such as status, age or spiritual values. Batik is therefore not just a textile, but a living cultural heritage that carries stories, traditions and identity. In Java, the technique developed into a refined art form. It became an important part of local culture and traditions.”
How do you bring your cultural background into your style and designs?
“In my parents’ home and my grandmother’s house, the batik items and clothing reminded us of where we came from, where my mother and grandmother were born and were forced to leave, like so many Indonesian-Dutch people.”
"It feels like a responsibility and a duty to honour my foremothers and to acknowledge their history. Wearing batik helps me do that." Marsha - rEBEL REMAKE
“It’s a process I’ve grown into and one I recognise in my contemporaries. Because our ancestors had to assimilate and adapt, keeping their own traditions and customs within the home, I feel the urgency and necessity to tell our history, translated into batik.
Now that I feel pride in my Indisch roots rather than shame for being ‘different’, I want to express that literally through what I wear. I’m especially moved when I wear my grandmother’s clothing, which I’ve reworked into a modern fit that suits my style. That way, I carry her with me, not just in my heart, but on my skin. This is the feeling I want others to experience too. Together, we carry our cultural heritage forward.”
Do you take your clients’ cultural backgrounds into account during wardrobe sessions, customisation and refashioning?
“My clients come to me with cherished clothing, heirlooms or other fabrics with emotional value, full of memories. My designs always start with an existing garment, but I consciously choose to preserve the original elements when transforming it into something ‘new’ for my client. That might be through a new design, or it might come back as a detail, such as a piece of batik as a breast pocket or collar.
Sometimes clients find it difficult to wear the garment itself because of the so-called ‘guna guna’ (a traditional belief system). Through my own background, I understand this, and I respect the wish to honour it. I rework the garment in an appropriate way so that the memory lives on.”
Xzota
Jewellery made with Balinese craftsmanship
Magic, craftsmanship and a deep love for Bali. That’s the foundation of Xzota. The Rotterdam-based jewellery brand was founded by mother-daughter duo Daniëlle and Tessy. The jewellery is made in a small family atelier in Bali, where age-old goldsmithing techniques are applied. Xzota visits these ateliers regularly and has even invited the producers to the Netherlands. The result is a positive exchange of cultures and inspiration.
What draws you to the cultural heritage of Indonesia?
"Indonesia is a cultural treasure trove where centuries-old rituals and modern influences coexist in harmony." Daniëlle & Tessy - Xzota
“What appeals to us most is how different beliefs live side by side with the traditions that come with them. The beautiful temples, but also the nature and the rice fields, make the country truly special.”
Can you tell us more about the Indonesian expertise and the craft of jewellery making?
“The silversmith’s talent is centuries old and is passed down from generation to generation. Because we’ve worked with the same goldsmiths for many years, we’ve built a special bond with our producers.
The history of Balinese silver goes back a long way. The art of metalworking arrived in Indonesia during the Bronze Age from southern China and other parts of Southeast Asia. The Chinese are believed to have developed an improved method of silver refining around 2500 BCE, making silver even more sought after and easier to extract.
The colonisation of Bali by the Majapahit empire of Java began in the 14th century. At the start of the 16th century, Bali became a refuge for Hindus fleeing the growing Islamisation of Java. When the Majapahit empire eventually collapsed, a large influx of Javanese nobles and craftspeople came to Bali. As a result, Bali became one of the most important centres where the art of smithing was cherished and further developed.”
How do you incorporate respect for Indonesian cultural heritage into your business?
“Respect for the local community is very important to us. That’s why we always work closely with the different smiths, maintaining close contact both when designing and during production. We learn from them and they learn from us, with mutual respect.”
These companies have one crucial thing in common: they carefully take time to think about where the materials came from, who made them, and the identities they represent.
The role of cultural heritage in the fashion industry
Want more background or to discover brands and shops that approach cultural heritage and craftsmanship with care?
