Kebaya and Nusantara Fabrics Highlight 80th Independence Day in San Francisco

San Francisco: On the morning of August 17, 2025, Wisma Indonesia was filled with around 300 members of the Indonesian community and diaspora attending the flag-raising ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of Indonesia’s independence. The ceremony, led by the newly arrived Consul General Yohpy Ichsan Wardana, took place in a solemn atmosphere.

Following the ceremony, the cultural stage turned into a vibrant space of living diplomacy. In collaboration with Komunitas Cinta Berkain Indonesia (KCBI) San Francisco, the Consulate General presented a showcase of traditional textiles from across Indonesia – ranging from Sumatra (Aceh, North Sumatra, West Sumatra, South Sumatra, Lampung, and Bangka Belitung), to West, Central, and East Java, Bali, Lombok, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, and Papua.

The garments reflected Indonesia’s cultural heritage, from classic to contemporary interpretations, incorporating weaving and batik traditions from different regions.

Through this collaboration, KJRI San Francisco and KCBI conveyed a strong message: Indonesian textiles are not merely fashion, but cultural diplomacy in motion, symbolizing the diaspora’s enduring bond with their national identity.

“This celebration abroad is not just symbolic. It is a medium of cultural diplomacy, where heritage – from kebaya to traditional fabrics – becomes a universal language that builds admiration and recognition for Indonesia,” said Consul General Yohpy Ichsan Wardana in an official statement on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.

KCBI San Francisco Chair, Vevi Ibrahim, added: “Together with the Consulate General, we are not just displaying kebaya; we are bringing to life the stories behind every fold, every weave, every embroidery. This is the collective narrative of a nation, speaking on the global stage.”

The statement underlined how each piece of traditional fabric carries history, the voices of Indonesian women, and the spirit of diversity.

Ann Stahl, a San Jose resident, expressed her awe: “It was my first time seeing kebaya paired with woven fabrics from Papua – Indonesia’s culture truly feels universal.”

Her words highlighted the success of cultural diplomacy in fostering appreciation for Indonesia’s diversity among international audiences.

Mahmudin Nur Al-Gozaly, Consul for Cultural Affairs, concluded: “This is not merely a fashion show – it is a living portrait of diplomacy. Kebaya here is not only fashion but a bridge of history, with every woman who wears it serving as a cultural ambassador.”

The celebration also resonated with UNESCO’s recognition of kebaya. On December 4, 2024, kebaya was inscribed in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, both as a multinational ASEAN heritage and as Indonesia’s singular expression – further proof of how cultural symbols can be transformed into effective diplomacy on the international stage.

The event closed with informal discussions among diaspora members, envisioning future initiatives: batik and weaving workshops for youth, a virtual “Kebaya Tuesdays” program, and collaborative exhibitions linking Indonesian designers with the diaspora.

The 80th Independence Day celebration in San Francisco thus marked not only a moment of reflection, but also a living, evolving network of cultural diplomacy, where community-driven creativity continues to strengthen Indonesia’s identity and image in the global arena.

Also read:  Patrick Kluivert Joins in 80th Independence Day Festivities with Thousands of Indonesians in The Hague