RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Consulate in Songkhla underscored the shared Malay heritage and friendship among Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand through its participation in the 2026 Malay Costume Festival in Yala, southern Thailand.

Indonesian Consul in Songkhla, Winardy H. Lucky, described the festival as a vital platform to promote Indonesia’s rich traditional attire, strengthen cross-border cultural ties, and encourage creativity and innovation among Malay fashion designers in the region.

“This festival is not only a celebration of Malay culture but also a reflection of the historical bonds and shared identity among Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand,” Lucky said in a statement confirmed in Jakarta on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

The festival, held last weekend, featured diverse designs highlighting Malay cultural identity from the three countries, blended with modern fashion elements while preserving traditional roots. The consulate facilitated Indonesian designers’ participation, contributing fabrics, motifs, and ready-to-wear collections.

In addition, the Consulate supported a special showcase by the chairwoman of the consulate's Dharma Wanita Persatuan, Indonesia’s largest women’s organization composed of civil servants’ spouses, presenting distinctive Indonesian Malay attire.

The event also provided a collaborative space for designers from all three nations to preserve and promote Malay culture to younger generations and international audiences.

“We hope cultural cooperation like this will continue to grow, strengthening mutual understanding and relations among the peoples of our three countries,” Lucky added.

Indonesia’s involvement in the Yala festival is part of its broader cultural diplomacy in southern Thailand, aimed at fostering people-to-people connections through cultural promotion and the creative industry.

Yala, often referred to locally as the “Center of the Malay Language,” was seen as an ideal venue, especially as the Thai government intensifies efforts to support sustainable and authentic Malay fashion production. ***