Donggala weaving tradition from historical, sociocultural, and sustainability perspectives: A case study of Towale Village, Donggala Regency, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia

The Donggala weaving tradition in Central Sulawesi is part of Indonesia's Intangible Cultural Heritage and holds strong historical, social, and symbolic value in the lives of Donggala's coastal communities. The tradition has evolved through long processes of local adaptation and cross-cultural interaction from the prehistoric era through the period of Southeast Asian maritime trade. However, modernization, a regeneration crisis, and market pressures have placed this practice in a vulnerable position. This study analyzes the historical trajectories, sociocultural functions, and sustainability strategies of the Donggala weaving tradition in a contemporary context. Using a qualitative descriptive approach and a case-study design in Towale Village, data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and document analysis and were analyzed thematically using retrospective and prospective approaches. The findings show that the weaving tradition in Towale functions not only as an economic activity but also as an expression of identity, a site of intergenerational value transmission, and a support system for household well-being. The revitalization of Donggala weaving relies on the interplay between local knowledge, women's empowerment, and institutional support from government and external partners. This study highlights the importance of adaptive, context-specific strategies that align with the community's social rhythms. These findings can strengthen policy foundations for supporting cultural heritage as a sustainable living resource.