Jakarta. The 2024 National Kebaya Day celebration marks its inaugural event. As stipulated in Presidential Decree Number 19 of 2023, National Kebaya Day will be observed annually on July 24. Additionally, Indonesia, in collaboration with Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, and Thailand, has proposed the kebaya for recognition as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.

Chief Economic Affairs Minister Airlangga Hartarto highlighted that the kebaya is closely associated with women, particularly as a strength in small and medium industries (IKM) largely operated by women. To support this, the government provides business loans and training that women can utilize.

"The kebaya symbolizes the domestic clothing, fabric, and textile industries. This kebaya industry has 100 percent local content. Many fabrics are produced across Indonesia using non-mechanical looms with distinctive characteristics," he said during the opening of the Indonesian Women's Congress (Kowani) Expo as part of the National Kebaya Day 2024 celebration at Istora Senayan, Jakarta, on Tuesday.

The government has allocated Rp 270 trillion ($16.64 billion) in microcredit loans (KUR) for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), including those in the textile and garment industry, which are predominantly female-driven.

"The total funds provided amount to Rp 270 trillion, and women are encouraged to access these loans," Airlangga said.

He explained that the government has prepared loans ranging from zero to Rp 10 million with a very low interest rate of just 3 percent. "Ninety percent of these loans are accessed by women," said Airlangga.

Additionally, loans ranging from Rp 10 million to Rp 100 million can be accessed without collateral at a government-subsidized interest rate of 6 percent. There are also loans available from Rp 100 million to Rp 500 million.

At the same event, Kowani Chairwoman Giwo Rubianto Wiyogo expressed hope that the existence of the kebaya would continue through the commemoration of National Kebaya Day 2024. This not only preserves culture but also positively impacts women's businesses and industries. "The kebaya is linked to the struggle, empowerment, and independence of women," said Giwo.

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