RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - National Kebaya Day, officially observed every July 24 under Presidential Decree No. 19/2023, was commemorated both in Indonesia and overseas, including through a cultural exhibition at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco.

Indonesia is leveraging the kebaya as a tool to strengthen cultural diplomacy abroad.

The event, titled “Kebaya at the Museum”, was organized by the Indonesian Consulate General (KJRI) in San Francisco. It highlighted Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage while introducing the kebaya, which UNESCO recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2024.

“The kebaya teaches us that cultural heritage not only records the past but also continues to live on and evolve with the times,” said Indonesian Consul General in San Francisco, Yohpy Ichsan Wardana, in a written statement on Sunday, July 26, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Yohpy noted that the kebaya reflects the shared identity, history, and cultural heritage of Southeast Asia. He added that culture serves as a bridge to foster mutual understanding, strengthen international friendship, and reinforce people‑to‑people diplomacy.

The exhibition featured a fashion show by the Los Angeles chapter of the Komunitas Cinta Berkain Indonesia (KCBI), showcasing various kebaya styles -- from the Kartini kebaya and encim kebaya to modern and bridal designs.

The Tracing Patterns Foundation, founded by Dr. Sandra Sardjono, outlined the kebaya’s four‑century evolution through historical archives, artworks, and textile collections.

Visitors also enjoyed gamelan performances, Sundanese dance, Javanese calligraphy, and Indonesian cuisine such as rendang, grilled chicken, and Gayo coffee from Aceh.

Asian Art Museum Deputy Director and Chief Curator Dr. Robert Mintz expressed appreciation to the Indonesian Consulate General, noting that the event enriched San Francisco’s cultural landscape.

“We want the Asian Art Museum to be a place where Asian cultural traditions are not only displayed as historical artifacts, but also brought to life through stories, music, performing arts, and interactions with the Bay Area community,” Mintz said.

The Indonesian Consulate General reported that more than 300 people attended, including members of the diplomatic corps, representatives from cultural and textile communities, the Indonesian diaspora, and US citizens.

Executive Director of Asia Society Northern California and former ABC News correspondent in Jakarta, Margaret Conley, also noted that the event effectively introduced Indonesia’s rich culture to the world. ***