In Central Manggarai region of Flores, Indonesia, a policy of spatial clustering was introduced with the goal of enhancing productivity of the traditional weaving sector. This involved the installation of new weaving loom technology and skills training for weavers. This study of the subjectivities of women weavers and their perceptions of technological upgrading processes examines how policies designed without the participation of the people they aim to support can prompt adverse, contradictory outcomes.