Indonesia has a rich textile heritage and the museum's collection is an excellent reflection of this.

Indonesian garments were traditionally made out of various materials, such as pineapple and banana plant fibres and tree bark. However, it is batik and ikat cloth that have caught the attention of connoisseurs and collectors. Batik is made by hand drawing or stamping a pattern onto white cotton or silk with hot wax, which resists dye. After each dyeing operation, the wax is removed, leaving undyed areas. This process is repeated with as many as four or five colours until the desired pattern is achieved.

An ikat requires the threads to be dyed before weaving. The warp (lengthwise threads), weft (crosswise threads), or both sets of threads may be dyed. The threads are stretched on a wooden frame and a pattern is tied off using dye-resistant fibres. The threads are then dyed in an often repeated, time-consuming process, but the tied sections are unaffected. When the pattern has been established and the desired colouring achieved, the warp threads are set up on the loom and the weft threads are woven in.

In some parts of the archipelago, traditional dyes are still made from roots, bark, berries and leaves, although commercial dyes are becoming increasingly popular. Once finished, garments are further ornamented with embroidery, beads, shells, coins or mirrors.

Traditional textiles are an important aspects of Indonesian culture. As garments, their motifts or colours indicated the rank and status owner. Over the centuries, they have also been an essential part of many rituals and ceremonies from war dances to weddings and burials. It is interesting to note that traditional textiles are essential part of many rituals and ceremonies from war dances to weddings and burials. It is interesting to note that traditional textiles are essentially women's territory.