President Jokowi Opens Kebaya Fashion Show
President Jokowi and Ibu Iriana open the “Kebaya in the Palace,” Sunday (08/06), in front of the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta. (Image source: a screenshot)
As a series of events to commemorate the 78th Indonesian independence day, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and First Lady Ibu Iriana on Sunday (08/06) opened a fashion show adopting the theme “Istana Berkebaya” (“Kebaya in the Palace”) in front of the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta.
“The kebaya symbolizes the character of Indonesian people who are graceful, gentle, polite, and modest,” President Jokowi said.
At the opening of the event, Ibu Iriana contributed pantun (a type of old Indonesian four-line poetry).
“Menur flower, rafflesia flower. Blooms a flower, rosy red (Bunga menur, bunga raflesia. Mekar sekuntum, merah merona). The noble image of Indonesian women. An elegant person in a kebaya (Citra luhur wanita Indonesia. Pribadi anggun dengan kebaya),” Ibu Iriana said.
Acting Governor of Special Capital Region of Jakarta Heru Budi Hartono in his report said the event is aimed to maintain unity and invite the people to preserve the nation’s culture.
“In line with the spirit of the 78th Indonesian independence day “Keep Going for Advanced Indonesia,” the Kebaya in the Palace invites us to love and preserve Indonesian culture and strengthen unity and oneness as a solid foundation for the progress of nation,” Heru said.
According to Heru, in the fashion show, female ministers and wives of ministers of the Indonesia Onward Cabinet as well as the wives of the ambassadors of friendly countries walked on the catwalk, showing their kebayas.
“This afternoon fashion show is very special since it involves inspiring women from various walks of life,” Heru remarked. (TGH/UN) (GWH/LW)
