Prabowo aims to assert Indonesia's position through double-breasted suit

Fashion observer Lisa Fitria assessed that President Prabowo Subianto’s style of wearing a double-breasted suit during the 2026 MPR RI Annual Session was intended to assert that Indonesia holds an equal position with other strong nations. “In my opinion, his fashion style is not much different from during the campaign. Here, the President seems to want to show that state attire is very strong, formal, and symbolic, which is certainly on par with the presidents of other countries,” Lisa said when contacted in Jakarta on Friday. A double-breasted suit is a suit model featuring two rows of buttons at the front that overlap. Lisa noted that this model has become common attire for men worldwide. The outfit worn by President Prabowo Subianto had six buttons, presenting a firm, formal impression with a classic style. Lisa highlighted the interesting choice of a grey suit, which she felt emphasised an impression of stability, maturity, and moderation. “In the context of a state address, this choice can be read as a representation of leadership that wants to display firmness as well as balance,” she said. According to her, this firmness was intended to be highlighted alongside an impression of authority, calmness, and approachability, symbolically shown through the use of a light blue tie. The founder of the Indonesian Fashion Chamber (IFC) also assessed that the wearing of a black kopiah served as a symbol of commitment to preserving the culture and identity of the Indonesian nation. This is in line with the habits of previous national leaders such as President Soekarno and Soeharto, who wore similar attributes. Overall, Lisa stated that the President was not trying to make an excessive statement through fashion. The outfit worn today was instead used as a language of diplomacy and a state symbol, closely associated with the use of the red and white flag pin. “This detail reinforces that the attire worn is not merely formal clothing, but also part of the representation of the institution and his position as head of state,” she added. On Friday, the MPR RI, DPR RI, and DPD RI held the MPR RI Annual Session and the Joint Session of the DPR RI-DPD RI, which included an agenda for President Prabowo Subianto’s speech in the context of delivering the Performance Report of State Institutions and the State Address of the President of the Republic of Indonesia for the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia. In addition to the speech, the government will also screen a video of government performance achievements. This annual session is a state agenda to welcome the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia, which carries the theme “A Sovereign, Just, and Prosperous Indonesia”.