Kebaya Evolves into Soft Diplomacy Tool and Symbol of Women’s Power in State Politic
- 14 Agt 2026 14:30 WIB
- Voice of Indonesia
Poin Utama
- The kebaya is evolving beyond traditional attire into a symbol of cultural identity, soft diplomacy, and modern women’s leadership.
- House of Representatives Speaker, Puan Maharani, showcased the kebaya at a 2026 state forum, demonstrating how traditional Indonesian fashion can fit modern political and diplomatic settings.
RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The kebaya is no longer merely traditional attire, but has transformed into an instrument of soft diplomacy and a symbol of women’s strength on the stage of state politics. The appearance of House of Representatives (DPR) Speaker, Puan Maharani, in a modern kebaya at the 2026 state forum underscored how cultural identity can harmoniously blend with modern female leadership.
“This shows that the kebaya is actually highly relevant for professional, political, diplomatic, and international forums. For me, the use of kebaya by women leaders carries a message greater than just a clothing choice,” fashion analyst, Lisa Fitria, in Jakarta on Friday, August 14, 2026.
Lisa, who is also one of the founders of the Indonesian Fashion Chamber (IFC), conveyed that the kebaya can serve as a form of soft diplomacy through social and cultural approaches, Indonesian-style, in state forums. The kebaya not only brings cultural identity into the public sphere but also represents the idea that traditional attire does not need to be abandoned when people wish to appear modern.
“Indeed, the strength of Indonesian fashion lies in its ability to transform cultural heritage into something contemporary and relevant,” said Lisa, as quoted by Antara.
Previously, in an official statement from the House, Speaker Puan Maharani chose to wear an olive green brocade kebaya. The brocade kebaya was inspired by the Sundanese olive green kebaya with ribbon appliqué details.
Puan’s look was complemented by a dark green shawl and a matching-toned skirt. Lisa assessed that the olive green kebaya successfully positioned the kebaya as state attire that remains formal, elegant, and modern.
The green color used conveyed an impression of calmness and coolness while simultaneously exhibiting strong character. Compared to highly formal colors such as black or white, olive green offers a more humanistic nuance and a closer connection to nature.
In the Indonesian context, green can also be interpreted as a symbol of life, growth, hope, and sustainability. “However, of course, that meaning is more appropriately understood as a visual interpretation, not necessarily confirming that the color was deliberately chosen with that message in mind,” she said.
From a design perspective, the kebaya featured relatively rich texture and ornamental details while maintaining a clean silhouette that was not overly classical. Lisa assessed that kebaya for state forums must be able to balance cultural identity, protocol, and modern aesthetics.
“What interests me is how the kebaya did not appear merely as a traditional costume. Its silhouette was made more contemporary and suited to the character of modern women,” said Lisa. ***
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