Kebaya Adhikari Present at IFW 2026, Bring Message of Elephant Conservation and Culture

Kebaya Adhikari (IST)

JAKARTA - The Indonesia Fashion Week (IFW) 2026 stage again witnessed how fashion is not just about aesthetics, but also a medium for conveying deep messages. One that caught the attention was the latest collection from Kebaya Adhikari.

Not just a fashion, this collection carries a big mission about the balance between culture, traditional art, and nature conservation. Adhikari kebaya presents a new breath by combining kebaya, the Bundengan musical instrument typical of Wonosobo, and the elephant conservation symbol.

One of the most unique elements in this collection is the presence of elephant motifs and philosophy. The designer revealed that this inspiration was born after hearing the story of Rawana, an elephant baby born at the Green Valley Zoo, Lampung.

"Elephants are not only majestic animals, but also have an important role in maintaining the balance of the forest ecosystem. When I learned about Rawana's story, I felt that there was hope born in the midst of the current elephant habitat challenge," said Kukuh Hariyawan, representative of Kebaya Adhikari when met at the IFW 2026 area.

Rawana is considered a symbol of hope. Through the kebaya, this spirit is translated into a silhouette that is soft but strong, inviting fashion lovers to be more concerned about environmental issues.

This collection combines three main pillars of Indonesian identity. Kebaya is present as a cultural identity of the nation, elephants as a symbol of natural sustainability, and Bundengan as a heritage of Wonosobo's unique music art.

"We have put the three together in one work to show that culture and nature are Indonesian identities that must continue to coexist," he added.

This bold move proved successful. On the IFW 2026 stage, the Kebaya Adhikari collection received a warm welcome from the audience and fashion observers. For them, the success of appearing at this prestigious event is proof that works born in the region are able to compete at the national level.

In addition to talking about conservation, Kebaya Adhikari also highlights the relevance of kebaya in the modern era. If in the past kebaya was synonymous with a rigid ceremonial event, now the design is designed to be more flexible and comfortable without losing its traditional value.

"The challenge is how to design kebaya so that it still respects tradition, but is relevant for various occasions. So, kebaya is not only in official events, but can also be part of the lifestyle of modern people," he explained.

For Kebaya Adhikari, preservation has a broad meaning. Not only limited to animal protection, but also to keep cultural heritage relevant for future generations.

"Preservation is not just about keeping something alive, but ensuring that the heritage continues to live, grow, and be known to the next generation. Elephants need a sustainable habitat, while kebaya and Bundengan need space to continue to be appreciated. This is about creating a future without losing our roots," he concluded firmly.

Through this collection, Kebaya Adhikari proves that the fashion stage can be a strong amplifier to voice important issues for the future of Indonesia.