When Jakarta Officials Strut on the "Catwalk" at Jakarta Hijab Festival Tanah Abang
JAKARTA — Several officials from the Jakarta Provincial Government took to the catwalk as models during the opening of the Jakarta Hijab Festival at Tanah Abang Market Block B in Central Jakarta on Thursday (12 March 2026).
They walked across the stage and modelled Muslim fashion purchased directly from the capital’s largest textile market.
According to Kompas.com’s observation at the location, the heads of five Jakarta’s administrative districts descended from the second floor to the ground floor before appearing on stage. They then walked one by one accompanied by Islamic songs.
The Mayor of East Jakarta, Munjirin, wore a long jubah robe complete with a turban wrapped around his head. Meanwhile, the Mayor of West Jakarta, Iin Mutmainah, appeared elegantly in a black-patterned gamis dress.
Not only the mayors, but other officials also enlivened the stage, ranging from department heads to the governor’s special staff. They appeared confident, striding across the stage like professional models.
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung said the Jakarta Hijab Festival was deliberately held in Tanah Abang to encourage economic activity among micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), particularly Muslim fashion traders in the area.
“Why is this being held in Tanah Abang? It’s simply because we want to revitalise and boost the MSMEs in Tanah Abang and also throughout Jakarta,” said Pramono when opening the event on Thursday.
He added that all the garments worn by officials in the fashion show were purchased directly from Tanah Abang.
According to Pramono, the event concept was made unique because all the models who appeared were officials from within the Jakarta Provincial Government.
Pramono admitted he was surprised that the officials within the Jakarta Provincial Government had prepared their appearances very seriously for the stage. He even mentioned that some officials appeared in fashion styles that exceeded his expectations, including make-up that was specially prepared.
“Both women and men wore clothing that was beyond my expectations, and also their make-up. The make-up was seriously done by the wives of officials at City Hall,” said Pramono.