The Toba Batak sub-ethnic group in Indonesia is known for their weaving of the traditional textile ulos. At the same time that they uphold ancient Batak traditions of textile weaving, the Toba Batak people are at the nexus of a growing textile industry on national and international scales. As Western interests further influence Indonesia's economy, Indonesian concerns about the production of ulos become more and more urgent to address. The concern that ulos will be replaced by modern, Western styles of clothing and production gives rise to a more pressing fear that weaving traditions will fade from cultural awareness entirely.

In my presentation, I share the uniquely Indonesian strategies utilized by the Toba Batak people to conserve their cultural knowledge and traditional weaving practices. These strategies keep in mind the shifting trends in the textile industry in order to keep ulos relevant, yet are still respectful of Batak tradition. Primary methods of my research include interviews with traditional weavers, with weavers who supervised modern machine looms, the local non-weaving Toba Batak population, Batak culture experts, and Batak culture conservationists. Secondary research includes the work of Sandra Niessen, who has conducted large scale studies on Batak ulos and culture, and news sources such as The Jakarta Post.