Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia and the First Lady at the Istana Berkebaya Fashion Show, in front of Merdeka Palace, Special Capital Region of Jakarta, August 6, 2023

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo) and the First Lady (Iriana Joko Widodo)
Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

The First Lady (Iriana Joko Widodo)
Before we start the event, please allow me to recite a pantun (a type of old Indonesian four-line poetry).

Menur flower, rafflesia flower (Bunga menur, bunga raflesia)

Blooms a flower, rosy red (Mekar sekuntum, merah merona)

The noble image of Indonesian women (Citra luhur wanita Indonesia)

An elegant person in a kebaya (Pribadi anggun dengan kebaya)

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Yes. The kebaya symbolizes the character of Indonesian people who are graceful, gentle, polite, and modest. By saying bismillahirrahmanirrahim, I hereby open Istana Berkebaya (Kebaya in the Palace).

I thank you.

Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

(GWH/LW)