"Kebaya is a symbol of the Indonesian people who are elegant, gentle, polite, and unpretentious," Jokowi said when opening the event held in front of the Merdeka Palace, here on Sunday.
The event was part of the series of the 78th Anniversary of the Indonesian Independence commemoration.
The President was seen wearing a black koko sadariah, a black peci cap, and a green sarong wrapped around the neck.
Meanwhile, the First Lady wore a red kebaya encim and red Betawi cloth.
Just like other Betawi cultural events, Iriana recited a pantun (rhyme) before opening the event.
"Before the event starts, with President Jokowi's permission, I want to recite a pantun: 'bunga menur bunga rafflesia. Mekar sekuntum, merah merona. Citra luhur wanita Indonesia. Pribadi anggun dengan kebaya'," she said, which was responded to by loud applause from the audience.
The pantun translation in English is:
"Menur flower, Rafflesia flower,
Their blooming buds are rosy red.
The noble image of Indonesian women,
Elegantly by wearing kebaya."
The Istana Berkebaya event was a fashion show of kebaya encim that originates from Betawi culture.
The models walking on stage included women ministers in the Onward Indonesia Cabinet, spouses of the ministers, ambassadors of friendly countries, and the general public.
The kebaya fashion show was initiated by the Jakarta Provincial Government.
The event involved 401 models who cat walked on the 200-meter-long stage set up in front of the Merdeka Palace.
Some ministers, among others, Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani, and Deputy Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Angela Tanoesoedibjo, attended the event.
The government has encouraged the preservation of the kebaya as a symbol of national identity and culture, by making July 24 as the National Kebaya Day.
Related news: Ministry promoting preservation of kebaya as symbol of culture
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Translator: Mentari G, Kenzu
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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