Indonesia's Kebaya Struggle Towards UNESCO's Recognition

Head of the Kebaya Lana T Koentjoro (first-right) national team at the launch of the book 'Kebaya Kegunan yang Diwariskan' in the Pacific Place area, Jakarta, Saturday. (Doc. ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The Kebaya struggle is recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage to UNESCO continues to be carried out by the Indonesian Kebaya National Team (Kebaya National Team).

Head of the Kebaya National Team Lana T Koentjoro explained that the initiative was born from the spirit of the community which was then supported by the government through a recommendation letter from the relevant ministries, specifically at that time the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology (Kemendikbudristek).

"The submission to UNESCO must come from the community, not directly from the government. This community encourages the government to take further steps," Lana said during a media meeting in the Pacific Place area, Jakarta, quoted from ANTARA, Saturday, November 30.

The main agenda of the Kebaya National Team covers four important points, namely submitting the determination of National Kebaya Day, registering kebaya with UNESCO, preserving kebaya as a cultural heritage, and introducing it to the international community through cultural diplomacy.

After the stipulation of National Kebaya Day, the next step is to wait for UNESCO's decision regarding the kebaya recognition to be announced on December 2, 2024 in Paraguay.

To socialize the kebaya, the Kebaya National Team has held a number of major activities, such as the Kebaya Nusantara Parade which has been held in various regions, including Solo, Kalimantan, to Sumatra Uraea.

Public enthusiasm is very high, with thousands of seriously involved participants at the event.

In addition, the Kebaya National Team is also collaborating with young designers to create a modern kebaya that attracts the younger generation without leaving its traditional value behind.

One of the main focuses of the national team is documenting kebaya trips through literacy and publication.

Special books on kebaya are prepared to be important references for future generations.

This success is also said to be the result of cooperation with the government, including the active involvement of several ministries in various collaborative events.

"We want the echo of kebaya not only to be heard domestically, but also at the international level. Our great appreciation is to the entire community and community who support this movement," said Lana.

With concrete steps that have been taken, the kebaya as a symbol of Indonesian culture is expected to soon gain world recognition through UNESCO, as well as strengthen its position as one of the nation's proud heritages.