Jakarta – President Joko Widodo has continued his tradition of wearing Indonesian traditional attire while delivering his annual State Speeches, this time donning Tanimbar attire from Tanimbar Island, Maluku to the highest Stage of the State. Deputy II of the Executive Office of the President (KSP), Abetnego Tarigan said that the President’s choice to wear Tanimbar traditional clothes influences the spirit of cultural diversity in Indonesia, especially from Maluku Island.
“This is a manifestation of President Jokowi’s enthusiasm to elevate traditional clothes from rural areas in Indonesia, so that people will recognize it more,” said Abetnego in Jakarta, Wednesday (16/8).
Arriving at the annual MPR Session held in Senayan, Jakarta, Jokowi dressed in Tanimbar traditional clothes that consist of black trousers and a long white sleeve. Western side of Southeast Maluku (Maluku Tenggara Barat) known for its richness and extensive source of weavings which are spread throughout the Tanimbar islands, and it shows from a piece of woven cloth that is wrapped around the body and tied around the shoulder and waist. As for the head cover, use an ornament of birds feather, like Cendrawasih or Cockatoo.
Abetnego said that the selection of Tanimbar cultural attire is inspired by a warm welcome from the Tanimbar people during President Jokowi’s visit last September 2022. It was the second presidential visit since President Soekarno.
“The people of Tanimbar are very enthusiastic to welcome the President, bearing in mind that the President’s last visit to Tanimbar was President Soekarno in 1958,” explained Abetnego.
The Deputy of Human Development at KSP also conveyed that philosophy of Tanimbar traditional attire related to cultural identity, spirituality, and values of the Tanumbar people.
Abetnego added that the pattern of Tanimbar traditional attire also had symbolic meaning that portrayed the balance of nature, the relationship between humans and nature, as well as social and spiritual values. “It’s not about choosing an attire, but also about delivering a symbolic message about unity, national spirit, and the importance of preserve Indonesia’s cultural heritage,” Abetnego concluded.
