2024 National Kebaya Day marks its inaugural celebration. Per Presidential Decree 19 of 2023, National Kebaya Day will be observed annually on July 24. Additionally, Indonesia, in collaboration with Singapore, Brunei Darussalam Malaysia and Thailand, has proposed that KebayaUNESCO recognize Kebaya as an intangible cultural heritage item.
Honour Women and Tradition
Airlangga Hartarto, Chief Economic Affairs Minister, noted that women often wear the Kebaya to indicate strength within industries primarily operated by women (IKM). To support this endeavour, the government has provided business loans and training sessions specifically for women IKM operators.
Kebaya Is Symbol of Local Industry
Kebayas have long been seen as an iconic representation of local clothing, fabric, and textile industries within Indonesia; their production using non-mechanical looms with distinct characteristics.” This statement was made during the opening ceremony for the Indonesia Women’s Congress (Kowani) Expo on Tuesday, as part of the National Kebaya Day 2024 celebration at Istora Senayan in Jakarta.
Women Entrepreneurs need financial support
The government has allocated Rp 270 trillion ($16.64 billion) in microcredit loans (KUR) for MSMEs in textile and garment industries dominated by female employees, such as textile mills. “Total funds provided amount to Rp 270 trillion, and women are encouraged to take out these loans,” Airlangga noted.
He explained that the government had prepared loans ranging from zero to Rp 10 million with a very low interest rate of 3 per cent for women to access. Loans from Rp 10 million up to Rp 100 million are available without collateral for access at government-subsidized interest rates of 6 per cent; additionally, loans are available between Rp 100 million and Rp 500 million as well.
Culture Conservation and Empowering Women
Kowani Chairwoman Giwo Rubianto Wiyogo expressed hope at the same event that the existence of kebayas would continue through commemorating National Kebaya Day 2024, preserving culture and positively impacting women-led businesses and industries. According to Giwo, wearing a kebaya signifies the women’s struggle, empowerment, and independence.
