Pandan Weaving as Intangible Cultural Heritage: Threats and Future Directions
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23243978Keywords:
cultural preservation, intangible cultural heritage, intergenerational knowledge, pandan weaving, traditional craftsAbstract
Pandan weaving remains an important expression of cultural identity and livelihood, yet its continuity is increasingly challenged by modernization, declining raw materials, limited youth engagement, and weak institutional support. This qualitative case study explored how pandan weavers understand the cultural significance of the tradition, the challenges affecting its survival, and the strategies they believe can help sustain it. The study employed semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis and found that weaving is valued not only as a source of income but also as inherited knowledge, community pride, and living heritage passed across generations. At the same time, participants identified environmental pressures, aging practitioners, low economic returns, and gaps in support systems as major threats to continuity. Despite these challenges, the findings pointed to practical pathways for safeguarding the tradition through intergenerational teaching, innovation, education, livelihood support, and stronger community-institution collaboration. The study underscored that preserving pandan weaving requires not simply protecting tradition but supporting its continued relevance and adaptation in changing social and economic contexts.
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