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Indonesia is known to possess abundant natural resources as well as a diverse textile tradition. Some examples of traditional textile materials are those made from indigenous natural fibers, such as silk, cotton, ramie, pineapple fibers, and banana frond fibers, which make use of natural dyes. The specific natural back ground and unique cultural tradition of a region strongly influence the creative process of local textile artisans and the visual form of textile works. After the invention of synthetic dyes, the usage of natural dyes has gradually decreased. However, the optimism in using traditional dyes recently emerges in the textile world in Indonesia. This tendency grows along with the issues of awareness of nature and the soaring popularity of back-to-nature lifestyle. This study attempts to identify the relations between the usage of natural dyes in the past and its relevance to contemporary contexts. This study focuses on several topics, firstly the past role of natural dyes and the invention of synthetic dyes which outgrow natural dyes. Then, this study aims to explain why natural dyes are recently being reused in textile, which leads to identifying the contemporary position or role of natural dyes, besides the existence of synthetic dyes which technically possess various advantages. This study also aspires to identify the advantages and shortcomings of natural dyes based on the consumers" acceptance and certain contexts. The method used in this study is the qualitative descriptive method through interdisciplinary approaches.

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Abstract. Banana bark is one of tropical indigenous natural resources that can be used as main material for many products. Being a fast-growing renewable material, it is durable and has natural patterns that people find visually attractive. Naturally, its textures and patterns are its main values; therefore it has the potential to be developed further. This research is needed to optimize the growth of small craft industries of banana bark, including the community where production activities take place, and also to provide information or reference of banana bark utilizations. Previous experiments conclude that banana bark has porous structure, high flexibility, relatively water-resistant due to its natural wax coating that resists water droplets, unless being washed down immensely. Also, due to its softwood-and paper-like properties, ithas many possibilities to be formed and processed into various functional products, mostly as craft products. In the subsequent study, the research about the utilization of banana bark in small industries starting from the harvesting system, handling problems in raw material supply, applying proper technology in improving the material's quality, improving the human-resource working culture by appropriate technologies, and also innovating the product's designs. The recommended designs can be implemented to improve the performance and qualities of banana bark products.