The increase in textile waste has been rising along with the booming trend of fast fashion, where clothing turnover occurs quickly to keep up with the latest trends. As a result, many garments are discarded after brief use, adding to the volume of textile waste that is difficult to recycle. This trend has a negative impact on the environment.
Iman Kahfi Aliza, known as Kahfi, a Master of Business Administration student at the Faculty of Economics and Business, Gadjah Mada University (MBA FEB UGM), has initiated a project to utilize textile waste by creating the brand Coolture. She manages textile waste and transforms it into valuable products that are popular among young people. Coolture focuses on using textile waste, particularly batik, to reduce waste and create added value by producing unique, high-quality fashion products while also supporting tangible environmental sustainability.
Currently in her second semester in the MBA program with a concentration in Operations, Kahfi, as the owner of Coolture, started the business from his passion for drawing. “I started this business when I was participating in a Community Service Program (Kuliah Kerja Nyata/KKN) in Ternate and enjoyed drawing. I was inspired to combine the cultures of Ternate and Java in fashion, using batik from Java and cultural elements from Ternate. Fortunately, I have a batik artisan friend in Solo, and that’s how Coolture was born,” Kahfi shared.
During the production design process at Coolture, Kahfi also faces challenges in managing the textile materials. She explains that when purchasing textile waste, one must be meticulous. “We usually buy leftover fabrics by the kilogram and don’t know exactly what we will get. There might be holes, mismatched colors, or stains. The challenge is how to carefully identify what can still be used and what can be processed into the production stage,” Kahfi said.
In addition, Coolture adopts a limited edition concept, showcasing unique patterns each season. This approach creates an exclusive impression, making each collection highly anticipated while also providing deeper meaning to the owners. Kahfi adds, “Coolture has a different vision compared to most batik artisans who tend to focus on garments for special or formal events. Our market is broader because young people can wear our products while still following trends, and, of course, combining them with batik culture.”
Beyond being a business entity, Coolture is also committed to community empowerment by involving local women from the Family Welfare Empowerment (PKK) program as part of its production workforce. This initiative allows Coolture to have a meaningful social impact.
“Besides the design value, we also have a community empowerment value by involving PKK women in the sewing process,” said Kahfi.
Kahfi envisions continued growth for Coolture, with plans for collaborations with artists and small businesses. “We want to keep growing Coolture, educate the public about environmentally friendly fashion, and make batik feel more casual without losing its meaning,” Kahfi concluded.
Looking ahead, Coolture’s ambition is to introduce and apply the richness of batik from various regions in Indonesia. The goal is for every motif and local cultural story to be more widely known and appreciated, both domestically and internationally. Currently, Coolture is focused on Javanese batik, particularly batik from Solo, renowned for its intricate motifs and beautiful philosophical meanings. This focus serves as a stepping stone to building a strong foundation before expanding into other regions.
Reporters: Aldanu Tagor Hutasoit, Petra Rossa Angelika Asa, Virna Rania
Editor: Ayu Aprilia
