Didiet Maulana, a renowned Indonesian fashion designer, recently made headlines when he submitted a proposal to have the traditional Indonesian kebaya recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. The kebaya is a beautifully crafted traditional blouse worn by women in Indonesia, often paired with a batik sarong or kebaya skirt.
Maulana, who is known for his exquisite designs that often incorporate traditional Indonesian textiles and techniques, sees the kebaya as a symbol of national pride and identity. In his proposal to UNESCO, Maulana highlighted the importance of preserving and celebrating Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage, including the kebaya, which has been worn for centuries and holds deep cultural significance.
The kebaya is not just a piece of clothing, but a representation of Indonesian craftsmanship, creativity, and heritage. It is worn during special occasions such as weddings, ceremonies, and cultural events, and is a source of pride for many Indonesian women. By seeking UNESCO recognition for the kebaya, Maulana hopes to raise awareness about the importance of preserving traditional Indonesian textiles and techniques, and to ensure that future generations will continue to appreciate and celebrate their cultural heritage.
Maulana’s efforts to have the kebaya recognized by UNESCO have been met with praise and support from the Indonesian government, cultural organizations, and fashion enthusiasts. Many see this as a significant step towards preserving and promoting Indonesia’s cultural heritage on a global scale.
In a statement, Maulana expressed his hope that the kebaya will be recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, joining other traditional Indonesian art forms such as batik and wayang puppetry. He believes that this recognition will not only help to protect and preserve the kebaya for future generations, but also to promote Indonesian culture and heritage to the world.
As the kebaya continues to be celebrated and embraced by Indonesians and fashion enthusiasts around the world, Didiet Maulana’s efforts to have it recognized by UNESCO serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving and promoting traditional cultural heritage. The kebaya is not just a piece of clothing, but a symbol of national pride and identity that deserves to be celebrated and protected for generations to come.
