Jakarta – President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo (Jokowi) opened the Istana Berkebaya performance in front of the Merdeka Palace, Jalan Medan Merdeka Utara, Central Jakarta, Sunday (6/8/2023). The event, which was organized thanks to the synergy of the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government with the Ministry of State Secretariat, was also attended by First Lady Iriana Jokowi and Vice President Ma’ruf Amin who was accompanied by his wife, Wury Estu Handayani.
The Istana Berkebaya event is a series of celebrations for the 78th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia. Previously, the moment of the Independence month celebration had begun with the Zikir and Doa event, as well as the Largest Angklung Performance which had taken place with great fanfare (5/8/2023) ago.
“Today, we continue with the same spirit, celebrating the beauty and diversity of Indonesian culture through the Kebaya Fashion Show. I thank you for the trust given to work together to carry out this event in the context of celebrating the 78th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia,” said Governor Heru, in his statement quoted in Jakarta, Monday (7/8/2023).
In line with the spirit of the 78th Indonesian Independence Day theme, “Moving Forward for an Advanced Indonesia”, the Istana Berkebaya event invites the public to love and preserve Indonesian culture, and knit unity as a solid foundation for the nation’s progress.
Through the fashion show, Acting Governor Heru emphasized that Indonesia is trying to introduce its rich culture to the local and international community. Kebaya, which is a symbol of the beauty of the country’s culture, is expected to be a special attraction for tourists to explore and enjoy Indonesia’s natural beauty, arts and culture.
“With the presence of the Istana Berkebaya fashion show, it is hoped that the message of love and pride for Indonesian culture will be more deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. This event is a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, preserving ancestral values, and opening opportunities for the future,” said Acting Governor Heru.
The implementation of Istana Berkebaya with a 200-meter catwalk, explained Acting Governor Heru, is considered very special. Because it involves inspirational women from various circles of society. The event, which involved Jakarta Fashion Week, featured more than 400 people as fashion models, including professional models, female ministers and officials, embassy representatives, wives of heads of institutions and Regional Owned Enterprises (BUMD), students, and children.
In addition, this fashion show is also a platform for local designers to showcase their best works that carry the beauty of Indonesian kebaya. “Supporting local designers is a concrete step in empowering the Indonesian fashion industry, creating space for their creativity to shine, and introducing the uniqueness of Indonesian culture to the fashion world,” explained Acting Governor Heru.
Meanwhile, President Jokowi said that Istana Berkebaya is an event to preserve Indonesian culture, especially kebaya. Kebaya is a cultural symbol that is rich in meaning, illustrating Indonesia’s unique and diverse identity. “Kebaya symbolizes the character of Indonesian people who are graceful, gentle, polite and unpretentious,” President Jokowi said.
President Jokowi further added that this fashion parade is a forum to maintain and preserve kebaya as one of the cultural heritages that should be kept alive and appreciated by future generations.
Then President Jokowi accompanied by First Lady Ibu Iriana Jokowi officially opened the Istana Berkebaya event. The public was also entertained with performances from famous musicians such as Bunga Citra Lestari, Maria Calesta, Kezia, and keroncong music performances from the Keroncong Toegoe group. In addition, there is a Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) center at the Northwest Gate of Monas which offers a variety of culinary and souvenirs typical of Jakarta.
