Indonesia Kaya Presents Padel in Kebaya to Preserve Cultural Heritage with Contemporary Relevance
Indonesia Kaya hosted "Padel Berkebaya" at Bounce, Jakarta on Saturday, 7 February 2026. The event created a unique meeting point where the kebaya — one of Indonesia's cultural treasures — converged with the spirit of an active lifestyle and the sport of padel. Here, the kebaya was not merely worn but brought to life through movement, laughter, and the energy of togetherness.
The initiative was far from arbitrary. Indonesia Kaya sought to continue its commitment to preserving the kebaya as an evolving intangible cultural heritage through the Kita Berkebaya movement, which was launched last year. Kita Berkebaya invites the public, particularly young women, to appreciate the kebaya not simply as traditional dress or a symbol of nostalgia, but as an expression of attitude, self-identity, and a dynamic element relevant to contemporary lifestyles.
Indonesia Kaya Programme Director Renitasari Adrian said that Padel Berkebaya presented a new way of celebrating the nation's heritage — one not confined to ceremony but present in daily life, in dynamic and expressive spaces. Through this initiative, the kebaya continues to be celebrated as a living, growing cultural heritage relevant to today's generation.
"When the kebaya is worn more frequently, its entire ecosystem moves with it: craftspeople, designers, SMEs, and creative economy players. Ultimately, the kebaya lives not only as cultural heritage but also becomes part of an economic cycle that continues to turn and benefit many people," said Renitasari.
Organised as a gathering and entertainment occasion, Padel Berkebaya served as a grounded form of cultural advocacy, bringing the kebaya into physical movement, energy, and social interaction. In the dynamic sporting environment, the kebaya was not just worn but lived as part of the lifestyle of modern women who are active, confident, and authentic.
The event also featured a kebaya market selling kebaya garments and accessories. Adding to the atmosphere, DJs Ninda and Neysa provided musical entertainment, creating a convivial atmosphere that celebrated togetherness.
The presence of music, sport, and kebaya in a single space symbolised how culture can continue to thrive in everyday life without losing its relevance or appeal. "We hope Padel Berkebaya can inspire more women to see the kebaya as part of their daily lives. Not out of cultural obligation, but out of a sense of belonging. Because when women move in kebaya, that is where culture truly comes alive," said Renitasari.
The event was attended by various public figures with active lifestyles who also love the kebaya, including Ririn Ekawati, Anastasia Siantar, Ola Harika, Noi Aswari, and Kushandari Arfanidewi (Kelinci Tertidur), as well as other padel enthusiasts. For participants unfamiliar with the sport, Padel Berkebaya also offered coaching clinics introducing the basics of padel, ensuring the experience was inclusive for all attendees.
Indonesian actress Ririn Ekawati expressed surprise that the kebaya could be worn to play padel. She said the experience brought her closer to everyday life whilst deepening her love for her own culture.
"If the kebaya can be present on a padel court, it means the kebaya is truly alive and ready to move with the times," said Ririn.
The initiative was far from arbitrary. Indonesia Kaya sought to continue its commitment to preserving the kebaya as an evolving intangible cultural heritage through the Kita Berkebaya movement, which was launched last year. Kita Berkebaya invites the public, particularly young women, to appreciate the kebaya not simply as traditional dress or a symbol of nostalgia, but as an expression of attitude, self-identity, and a dynamic element relevant to contemporary lifestyles.
Indonesia Kaya Programme Director Renitasari Adrian said that Padel Berkebaya presented a new way of celebrating the nation's heritage — one not confined to ceremony but present in daily life, in dynamic and expressive spaces. Through this initiative, the kebaya continues to be celebrated as a living, growing cultural heritage relevant to today's generation.
"When the kebaya is worn more frequently, its entire ecosystem moves with it: craftspeople, designers, SMEs, and creative economy players. Ultimately, the kebaya lives not only as cultural heritage but also becomes part of an economic cycle that continues to turn and benefit many people," said Renitasari.
Organised as a gathering and entertainment occasion, Padel Berkebaya served as a grounded form of cultural advocacy, bringing the kebaya into physical movement, energy, and social interaction. In the dynamic sporting environment, the kebaya was not just worn but lived as part of the lifestyle of modern women who are active, confident, and authentic.
The event also featured a kebaya market selling kebaya garments and accessories. Adding to the atmosphere, DJs Ninda and Neysa provided musical entertainment, creating a convivial atmosphere that celebrated togetherness.
The presence of music, sport, and kebaya in a single space symbolised how culture can continue to thrive in everyday life without losing its relevance or appeal. "We hope Padel Berkebaya can inspire more women to see the kebaya as part of their daily lives. Not out of cultural obligation, but out of a sense of belonging. Because when women move in kebaya, that is where culture truly comes alive," said Renitasari.
The event was attended by various public figures with active lifestyles who also love the kebaya, including Ririn Ekawati, Anastasia Siantar, Ola Harika, Noi Aswari, and Kushandari Arfanidewi (Kelinci Tertidur), as well as other padel enthusiasts. For participants unfamiliar with the sport, Padel Berkebaya also offered coaching clinics introducing the basics of padel, ensuring the experience was inclusive for all attendees.
Indonesian actress Ririn Ekawati expressed surprise that the kebaya could be worn to play padel. She said the experience brought her closer to everyday life whilst deepening her love for her own culture.
"If the kebaya can be present on a padel court, it means the kebaya is truly alive and ready to move with the times," said Ririn.