When Kebaya is no longer stiff: The secret to looking good and comfortable in traditional clothing
JAKARTA - In a corner of a room in Jakarta, the noise of discussions about the fabric and folds of the material flows warmly. National Day of Kebaya which falls every July 24 is no longer just a calendar reminder of culture, but a moment of celebration for anyone who wants to celebrate themselves through a kebaya.
For some people, imagining a kebaya often calls to mind a rigid, cramped outfit, and is only suitable for use in a wedding hall. However, that view is slowly falling. Kebaya is now stepping out of the old closet, accompanying the younger generation across the city's sidewalks, workspaces, and favorite coffee shops.
This is the message that Hagai Pakan wants to emphasize, the costume designer for the short film Jalan Pulang. According to him, the main life of a kebaya is not in the complexity of the sequins or the binding pattern, but in the confidence of the person who wears it.
"If you make a 'mix and match', it is as brave as possible and as possible as possible. And as comfortable as possible. The important thing is that we are confident first. Once we are confident, we will definitely be more courageous," said Hagai after a press conference in Jakarta.
Breaking Boundaries, Finding Character
For Hagai, kebaya is a blank canvas. There are no rules that require color A to meet motif B. Every wearer has the right to combine kebaya with their personal style - whether it is paired with classic batik fabric, casual jeans, to favorite sneakers.
It is this freedom to experiment that is considered capable of bringing kebaya closer to the rhythm of the lives of today's young people. As long as there is a sense of comfort, kebaya can be an extension of the wearer's character.
However, Hagai also reminded the realistic side of dressing. Appearing charming should not sacrifice physical comfort. In the midst of a tropical climate, the wisdom of choosing materials is the key to making kebaya not become a "torture" in the middle of the hot day.
Smart Choosing Materials: Adjust the thickness and type of fabric to the location of the event. Comfortable Appearance Solution: Use an inner material that absorbs sweat when you have to wear a thick kebaya outdoors."The most important thing is to choose the type of material according to the place where we want the event. Indeed, we need to be smarter to adjust," he concluded.
Bringing Kebaya "Back" to Everyday Life
The spirit of taking care of kebaya as part of daily life is also immortalized through visual works. The Bakti Budaya Djarum Foundation initiated a short film entitled Jalan Pulang to welcome National Kebaya Day.
Directed by Bramsky, the film is scheduled to premiere on July 24, 2026 via the IndonesiaKaya YouTube channel.
Through a cinematic narrative and a warm touch of fashion, Jalan Pulang carries a simple mission: to invite people to see kebaya not as a dusty heirloom from the past, but as part of an identity that still breathes and is relevant today. Because in the end, the best kebaya is the kebaya that is worn with pride and comfort.