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Bali Today,July 27, 2025 – Did you wear a kebaya on National Kebaya Day, July 24, 2025? If you missed it, there’s still time to join the #GADISFeminaKebayaChallenge on Instagram until July 31!
While National Kebaya Day is a vibrant celebration, the spirit of preserving this iconic attire doesn’t end there. The message is clear: kebaya is not just for special occasions—it’s a symbol of heritage, grace, and identity that can be worn proudly every day.
This philosophy shines in the short film #KitaBerkebaya, produced by Bakti Budaya Djarum Foundation. Starring renowned actresses like Maudy Ayunda, Andien, Tara Basro, and Eva Celia, the film showcases the kebaya in all its forms—traditional and contemporary, paired with woven wastra or even denim. Directed by Bramsky and styled by Hagai Pakan, the film is a visual ode to the versatility of the kebaya, proving it belongs not just at grand events but in everyday life.
1 Bali: Where Kebaya is a Way of Life
In Bali, the kebaya is more than just clothing—it’s woven into the island’s cultural and spiritual fabric. Balinese women have long embraced the kebaya as part of their traditional attire, often paired with the elegant kamen or songket. Every Thursday, offices across the island encourage employees to wear Balinese traditional dress, reinforcing pride in local heritage.
But the kebaya’s significance runs deeper. For Balinese Hindu women, wearing a kebaya during prayer (sembahyang) is a sacred practice, symbolizing purity and devotion. The intricate lace and delicate embroidery reflect not just beauty but a connection to ancestors and tradition.
2 Beyond National Kebaya Day: Keeping the Legacy Alive
As Renitasari Adrian, Program Director of Bakti Budaya Djarum Foundation, aptly states, the goal is to ensure that “the kebaya continues to live and thrive.” This means embracing it beyond ceremonial moments—pairing it with modern styles, wearing it to work, or even styling it casually for a weekend outing.
Designers like Toton, Edward Hutabarat, and Wilsen Willim have reimagined the kebaya for today’s generation, blending tradition with contemporary flair. Whether it’s a sleek minimalist design or a bold, avant-garde interpretation, the kebaya remains timeless.
3 A Call to Action: Wear It with Pride
Bali teaches us that the kebaya is not confined to dates on a calendar—it’s a living tradition. Let’s take inspiration from the island’s devotion to cultural preservation and make the kebaya a part of our daily lives.
So, why wait for a special occasion? Whether you’re attending a temple ceremony in Bali, heading to the office, or simply enjoying a day out, wear your kebaya with pride. Because heritage isn’t just about remembering the past—it’s about carrying it forward, beautifully.
#KitaBerkebaya #KebayaEveryday #BaliHeritage #ProudInKebaya
(Join the movement and share your kebaya moments with #GADISFeminaKebayaChallenge!)
By Giostanovlatto
