National Kebaya Day 2026: Inspirational and Meaningful Greetings

National Kebaya Day is commemorated every 24 July based on Presidential Decree Number 19 of 2023. The commemoration aims to increase public awareness of preserving the kebaya as part of Indonesia’s cultural identity. The kebaya has long been a part of the archipelago’s cultural wealth. This garment is worn by women in various regions with diverse models, motifs, and distinctive characteristics. Through National Kebaya Day, the government hopes that love for the kebaya will continue to grow and encourage its preservation in various aspects of life.

The date 24 July was chosen because it coincides with the opening of the 10th Indonesian Women’s Congress (Kowani) in 1964. On that occasion, President Soekarno encouraged the participants to wear the kebaya as the national attire for Indonesian women. That moment became an important milestone in the journey of the kebaya as a symbol of national cultural identity. Although commemorated nationally every year, National Kebaya Day is not a public holiday.

National Kebaya Day serves as a momentum to foster pride in Indonesian culture while inviting the public to continue preserving the kebaya as a living cultural heritage that develops from generation to generation.