Fajarasia.co – The Chairperson of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, wore a Kartini Kebaya at the Commemoration Ceremony of the Proclamation of Independence of the Republic of Indonesia at the Merdeka Palace today. The kebaya by fashion designer Didiet Maulana has its own meaning.
At the RI 77th Anniversary Ceremony which was held at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday (17/8/2022), Puan chose the gray Kartini Kebaya. This V-collar-cut kebaya is popular because Javanese figures and Indonesian National Heroes, RA Kartini, often wear them.
“And this kebaya then adapts to several regions in Indonesia with various lengths,” said Didiet Maulana, when contacted.
Didiet also revealed the choice of gray color in the Kebaya Kartini worn by Puan.
“Light gray gives a sense of balance, a color that bridges black and white,” said the fashion designer whose works have been recognized internationally.
Puan’s appearance is also equipped with a Batik Tulis Gentongan as a bottom. The batik cloth is made in Tanjung Bumi, a sub-district in Bangkalan Regency, East Java.
“The making of this batik cloth was completed within 1 year. After making batik, the cloth is then soaked in a clay barrel for up to 40 days. The process of soaking in the barrel is believed to be able to add to the charm of batik cloth, “explained Didiet.
Puan’s appearance looks more elegant with a red scarf that is pinned on her shoulders. Didiet, who mostly adopts the aesthetics and cultural richness of the archipelago in his works, explains its meaning.
“The red color gives a firm accent,” said the Founder of Ikat Indonesia.
Puan also chose Didiet Maulana’s work during the 2022 MPR-DPR-DPD Annual Session, Tuesday (16/8). Puan looks elegant wearing a terracotta-colored Kutubaru Kebaya with Javanese written batik cloth with the motif of Semen Romo (Semen Rama).
Puan Maharani does have a close relationship with Javanese culture. His great-grandfather or father of President Soekarno was a Javanese nobleman named Raden Soekemi Sosrodihardjo, a teacher from Surabaya, East Java.
The first woman to serve as Chair of the Indonesian House of Representatives is known to be one of the nation’s leaders who often promotes the charm of Indonesia through a variety of clothing. In many moments, Puan often uses Indonesian literature from various regions, including at international events****.
