JAKARTA - Kebaya is no longer just a traditional dress. Kebaya is a reflection of the journey, self-expression, and memories that are deeply embedded in memory. For a number of public figures such as Maudy Ayunda, Andien, and Titi Radjo Bintang, kebaya has a deeper meaning than just the cloth worn.

Maudy Ayunda calls a ratbaru her favorite kebaya model. Not only because of its classic appearance, but because of the quality attached to it.

I like ratbaru the most. Maybe because I'm quite stupid. I use ratbaru from the moment of graduation to marriage. Kebaya ratbaru is a symbol of special moments in my life," said Maudy, when met at Grand Indonesia, Jakarta on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.

"I also have a black rat from my grandmother. She passed away when I was born, so the kebaya has a very strong emotional meaning for me," he continued.

Maudy also added that wearing a kebaya in its own way is a strong form of expression. Especially after watching the short film he played in the title #KitaBerkebaya.

"Use kebaya in each way is a form of expression that is loud. After watching this film, I really want to add a kebaya collection. I am grateful to be a part of this movement," he said.

For Maudy, kebaya is a symbol of identity and acceptance of history.

"Kebaya is self-expression too. It is important to embrace history collectively. Even though the shape can be casual, for example used in cafes, it can still be a strong symbol," he said.

Meanwhile, singer Andien revealed that all types of kebaya are liked, but he has one that is most popular because the cut is comfortable.

I like everything, but the most favorite is the anchorland kebaya. I like loose and comfortable pieces to wear. This kebaya is bright and I feel like I can be myself when wearing it," said Andien.

In the event, he wore a mix between an Oscar Lawalata designer's kebaya and a legacy cloth from his grandmother (the fashion design of each character of this short film).

This kebaya and cloth combine an Oscar Lawalata design and a relic cloth from my grandmother. He is gone, and all of his relics are cloth. So it feels very personal for me," he continued.

For Titi Radjo Bintang, kebaya ambaru is her favorite. He likes his sweet and classic appearance, as well as being flexible to be combined with a modern style.

Kebaya angbaru in my opinion is sweet, classic, elegant, and timeless. I can even mix it with jeans. I've been able to get a ratbaru, which was given via DM. Kebaya is a legacy from a friend's grandmother, one has died, the other has not," he said.

"Nenek, who is still alive, deliberately wants to give it to me. I am happy and at the same time feel that I have a responsibility. I was taught my great things, if you wear clothes from other people, you have to appreciate them. Don't just wear them," he added.

Titi also added that jokingly makes her feel more feminine without having to lose her identity.

"With kebaya, I remain myself. Comfortable, but still elegant," he said.

Renitasari Adrian, Program Director of Bakti Budaya Djarum Foundation, emphasized that kebaya is not only clothing, but also a narrative of life.

We welcome the determination of July 24 as National Kebaya Day. This year, we want to highlight that outside Jakarta, kebaya is still used as everyday clothing. It's not just about clothing, it's about life stories being worn," Renitasari explained.

Renitasari also explained the creative process behind the short film #KitaBerkebaya.

"This first year we started with a concept that has a common thread. The main challenge is to find talent that really loves kebaya. In total there are nine figures. Because kebaya belongs to all Indonesian women. The models are also diverse, from ratbaru, design, to gray." he said.


The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and French versions are automatically generated by the AI. So there may still be inaccuracies in translating, please always see Indonesian as our main language. (system supported by DigitalSiber.id)

Add VOI as a Preferred Source
Follow VOI news updates across Google.
+