Indonesian Embassy in Rome Applauds Kebaya Promotion in Italy

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Embassy in Rome has praised the efforts of Indonesian kebaya enthusiasts in Italy for promoting the nation’s traditional attire and safeguarding cultural heritage through the event Kebaya Night in Treviso.

Indonesian Ambassador to Italy Junimart Girsang said the initiative reflects a shared commitment to advancing inclusive and sustainable cultural diplomacy while reinforcing Indonesia’s national identity.

“For Indonesians, kebaya is more than clothing. It embodies identity, history, and the narrative of Indonesian women, grace intertwined with resilience, the struggles of women across different phases of the nation’s history, and a tradition that continues to evolve with time,” Ambassador Junimart said, as quoted by Antara.

In a written statement received in Jakarta on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, the Embassy highlighted the Kebaya Night celebration organized by the Perempuan Berkebaya Indonesia (PBI) community on Monday, February 2 in northern Italy. 

The event brought together cross-sector partners from fashion, business, and culinary industries of both countries.

Ambassador Junimart also noted that kebaya has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2014, following a joint submission by Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, and Thailand. 

This recognition, he said, affirms kebaya as a living heritage; continuously worn, reinterpreted, and passed down to future generations.

Chair of PBI in Europe, Christiana Streiff, reaffirmed the community’s commitment to elevating kebaya on the international stage and strengthening its position as a global cultural symbol of Indonesia.

Meanwhile, Indonesian Honorary Consul in Trieste, Gloria Gigante, expressed readiness to support and facilitate further opportunities for cooperation with Indonesia, particularly in the cultural sector.

According to the Embassy, Kebaya Night featured a fashion showcase of kebaya and Indonesian textiles, highlighting the richness of national designs, alongside traditional art performances. The presence of diverse partners underscored strong interest in Indonesian culture in Italy and reinforced efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation. ***