Get To Know The Philosophy Of 5 Archipelago Traditional Clothing That Jokowi Has Worn

Illustration of urang kanekes traditional clothes worn by Jokowi (Instagram/@jokowi)

JAKARTA - Every year before or right to commemorate the Independence Day of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, President Jokowi wears traditional Nusantara clothing. With this habit, the regional clothing worn by the president has been in the spotlight.

Based on his philosophy, every regional clothing has a noble value which is symbolized in the clothing equipment. What are regional clothes and noble values that you need to know, here are the regional clothes worn by Jokowi in the last 5 years.

1. Urang Kanekes Traditional Clothing, worn during the 2021 RI MPR annual session

Urang Kanekes traditional clothing which is the clothing worn by the Bedouin indigenous group. Completeness of clothing includes black tops and bottoms with a red and white badge on the left chest.

Coupled with a blue head udeng, sandals, and a knitting bag. Jokowi also wears a mask that matches the color of his clothes.

Illustration of traditional clothes worn by Jokowi (Instagram/@jokowi)

The traditional clothing of the Bedouin tribe that characterizes it is the color, dominantly black and white. More philosophically, the clothes are made from natural materials that are around the area of residence. Made of cotton for the clothes.

The white color symbolizes a holy life and is not influenced by outside culture. This clothing, which is white, without being sewn, and worn with a sway, so it is called the Jamang Sangsang, is only worn by the Inner Bedouin. For the Outer Bedouin, wear black.

2. Bugis Traditional Dress at the 2017 MPR RI annual session

The clothes with orange and red golden colored sarongs with black tops and a skull cap were worn by Jokowi at the same event, the annual session of the Indonesian People's Consultative Assembly, in 2017.

Bugis traditional clothing is known as Baju Bodo, which is the oldest traditional clothing. Made from woven cotton that is twisted and then put together into yarn.

Illustration of traditional clothes worn by Jokowi

Reported by Keranjang Budaya, Monday, August 16, research written in the book The Travel of Marcopolo states that muslin – or a type of cloth worn by Bodo clothes – has been known since the 9th century and is the same as that used in Mosul (Iraq). Each color of the sarong used has a meaning.

3. Traditional Aceh clothes when attending the Indonesian Independence Ceremony in 2018

The Acehnese traditional clothing worn by Jokowi consists of a number of items that have meaning and are based on tradition. The head covering is called kupiah meukeutop which is made of red, green, yellow, and black tetron cloth.

Illustration of traditional clothes worn by Jokowi (Source: Kompas)

The top outfit is called a bajee, which is a black long-sleeved top with kasab embroidery at the ends of the sleeves. And on the right shoulder paired boh ru bungkoh in the form of decoration and function as a package.

The clothes symbolize leadership, authority, power, and wisdom. The cut is so elegant that it gives the impression of having a clear principle. Plain colors symbolize simplicity and headgear symbolizes being able to protect.

4. Sasak Traditional Clothing, West Nusa Tenggara at the Merdeka Palace in 2019

While attending the ceremony of the proclamation of the 74th Indonesian Independence on August 17, 2019, Jokowi wore Sasak traditional clothing.

Illustration of traditional Sasak clothing (Instagram/@jokowi)

Three important items in traditional Sasak clothing are udeng or headgear, tops, and kamben cloth wrapped around the waist. Udeng symbolizes two poles – negative and positive – which meet each other and become neutral. Udeng is also a symbol of self-control.

Top clothing likens holiness and kamben symbolizes holding the truth and dharma.

5. East Nusa Tenggara Traditional Clothes in 2020

While attending the Commemoration Ceremony of the Second Proclamation of Indonesian Independence, President Jokowi wore a woven cloth with the Kaif Nunkolo chain motif. The motif is a modification of the shape of a rhombus with a stem in the middle, this is interpreted as a source of water.

Illustration of East Nusa Tenggara traditional clothes (Instagram/@jokowi)

The edges are jagged, symbolizing the winding and hilly area. While the red color symbolizes the courage of the Nunkolo man. Betel nut bag slung on the side, becomes an aesthetic accessory.