This Is President Jokowi's Message At The Berkebaya Palace Event

A fashion show by the ministers of the Advanced Indonesia Cabinet in the Berkebaya Palace in front of the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Sunday (6/8/2023). (Between/Minister Dwi Gayati)

JAKARTA - Indonesian President Joko Widodo at the Berkebaya Palace event said that kebaya is a symbol of the graceful character of Indonesian society.

"The kebaya symbolizes the character of the graceful Indonesian people, who are gentle, polite, and humble," said President Jokowi when opening the Berkebaya Palace in front of the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta as reported by Antara, Sunday.

In a series of events to commemorate the 78th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia, the President wore a black koko realized shirt complete with a black cap and a green sarong wrapped on the neck. Meanwhile, the First Lady wears a red kebaya encim and a matching Betawi cloth.

Like a Betawi event in general, Mrs. Iriana did not escape reading the rhyme before opening the event.

"Before the event started, Pak Jokowi's permission, I wanted to sing, the flower pricing the raflessia flower. Mekar sekuntum, merona red. The noble image of Indonesian women. The person who is elegant with kebaya," said Iriana, who was followed by loud applause from the audience.

A number of ministers from the Advanced Indonesia Cabinet attended the event, including Minister of PUPR Basuki Hadimuljono, Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi, Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi, Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Angela Tanoesoedibjo, Minister of Agriculture Syahrul Yasin Limpo.

Also present were Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan, Minister of Youth and Sports Dito Ariotedjo, Minister of Education and Culture Nadiem Makarim, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud Md., Commander of the Indonesian Armed Forces Admiral Yudo Margono, Attorney General ST Burhanuddin, Minister of Communication and Information Budi Arie Setiadi, Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto, Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian, and Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita.

The Berkebaya Palace event is an encim kebaya fashion show from Betawi with models running on stage, such as the women's minister in the Advanced Indonesia Cabinet, the minister's wife who is a member of OASE KIM, the ambassador of friendly countries, to the community.

This kebaya fashion show by an inspirational Indonesian female figure with the title "Corruption Palace" was initiated by the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government.

At least 401 participants walked on the 200 meter catwalk stage in the outer area in front of the Merdeka Palace.