JAKARTA - Kebaya is a manifestation of the rich culture of the archipelago which has unique characteristics, motifs, materials, and pieces in various regions in Indonesia. Kebaya is not just a traditional dress, but an identity, cultural heritage, and a symbol of women's empowerment.
To get to know more closely about kebaya, the Bakti Budaya Djarum Foundation held a Kebaya Wicara by Didiet Maulana today at the Bloc Jakarta Post. This event invites participants who attend to get to know more about kebaya history through various eras, as well as share inspiring stories and creative experience Didiet Maulana in exploring kebaya. He combines traditional elements with a modern touch, as well as introduces various variations and styles of kebaya that reflect the richness of the cultural heritage of the archipelago.
Didiet Maulana is a fashion designer who is very familiar with the kebaya standard in his works. He explained the evolution of kebaya from time to time and how kebaya has become an inseparable part of Indonesian cultural identity. We not only celebrate the beauty of kebaya as a symbol of life and the journey of a culture full of color and meaning, but also inspires people to wear kebaya in everyday life, thus encouraging economic sustainability for craftsmen and business actors throughout Indonesia. Through kebaya, let's raise local potential and jointly preserve kebaya as a national cultural heritage and national identity pride," said Renitasari Adrian, Djarum Foundation's Culture Bakti Program Director.
The beauty of tradition has touched on the life of Didiet Maulana since childhood and kebaya has the meaning of punishment for him. Since childhood he saw Grandmother Uti (grandchildren) always working everywhere. He also taught how to wear the correct kebaya and match it with cloth and accessories to be harmonious. Didiet Maulana's love for kebaya also encouraged him to go around the archipelago and carry out 6 years of in-depth research and an additional 1.5 years of writing. The results of a long and valuable journey in understanding and appreciating kebaya as an Indonesian cultural heritage are outlined in the book Kebaya Story launched in 2021.
Didiet Maulana explained, similar to other regional fashions, kebaya has a standard that was present from the beginning of its birth. The kebaya that still heeds the standard is called a classic kebaya. There are several things that become standardized as a classical kebaya, including having an opening at the front, using buttons or peniti/bros which also function as an accessory, having a long variety, ranging from parallel to the length of the arm, to the knee. In addition, the standard according to the standard also has variations at the bottom, namely straight or sharp pieces. Overall, the appearance of the kebaya also has a standard, such as a standard kebaya bottom is a batik whose length is no more than the ankle.
In addition to classical kebaya, there are also modified kebaya terms that follow trends and styles of youth. The kebaya that has gone through this evolution process tends to be more varied, free, and relaxed. Through modified kebaya, kebaya users have room to express themselves more broadly. However, we need to understand the historical and cultural roots of kebaya in order to appreciate the traditional values contained in it and ensure that every innovation and change does not eliminate the essence of kebaya. I hope that the moment will be the right beginning to raise the kebaya to the world stage, as well as provide tangible benefits for the craftsman community in Indonesia," said Didiet Maulana.
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The public can also see various forms of kebaya by Didiet Maulana such as Kebaya Panjang, Kebaya Short, Kartini kebaya and Kebaya Kut Baru with a modern touch that still respects its traditional roots through the installation of Kebaya Kala Kini by Svarna by IKAT Indonesia. This installation includes a kebaya pada mix with typical Nusantara jewelry, scarves and batik, one of which is Kudus batik which is fostered by the Bakti Budaya Djarum Foundation. More than just the beauty of the design, this installation also invites visitors to dive into the meaning of kebaya as an integral part of the identity of women and the nation.
The kebaya, which unites various social and cross-border classes throughout the archipelago, deserves to be preserved and proud as a national cultural heritage. On this occasion, it was also enlivened by the launch of the song Kebaya Indonesia by 5 Women, namely Andien, Rieka Roslan, Yuni Shara, Iga Mawarni and Nina Tamam. These famous Indonesian women with melodious voices present a song specifically composed by Rieka Roslan in the context of National Kebaya Day 2024. This song has a melody and lyrics beautifully combined by Rieka Roslan and illustrates the charm of Indonesian culture, one of which is.
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