Jakarta/Nusantara. President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo and First Lady Iriana Jokowi stood out in traditional Kustim attire from East Kalimantan during the inaugural 79th Independence Day ceremony held in the new capital city of Nusantara on Saturday. The choice of attire, inspired by the Kutai Kertanegara Sultanate, highlighted Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage.

The Kustim outfit, derived from the word "costume," is a traditional garment of the Kutai tribe, characterized by its elaborate ornaments and a distinctive headgear called setorong for men. The setorong features an emblem known as wapan, signifying honors bestowed by the Sultan of Kutai Kartanegara. Women’s attire includes a headpiece adorned with golden flower-shaped ornaments.

The ceremony, hosted across two locations—Nusantara in East Kalimantan and Merdeka Palace in Jakarta—featured a vibrant display of Indonesian culture. In Nusantara, President Jokowi was joined by President-elect Prabowo Subianto, while Vice President Ma’ruf Amin and Vice President-elect Gibran Rakabuming Raka participated from the capital.

Gibran and his son, Jan Ethes, arrived at the Jakarta event in traditional Papuan attire, while his wife, Selvi Ananda, and their daughter, La Lembah Manah, donned Lampung costumes. Vice President Amin opted for Pontianak Malay attire, including the Telok Belanga for men and Kurung for women.

The Jakarta ceremony was highlighted by performances from national artists. Musical ensemble Gita Bahana Nusantara (GBN) opened with songs such as "Canda Buana Nusantaraku" and "Elok Indonesiaku." Vidi Aldiano followed with "Zamrud Katulistiwa," while Shanna Shanno & Solis GBN performed "Lenggang Jakarta." Albert Fakdawer & Solis GBN presented "Kharisma Indonesia," and traditional dances from North, West, Central, and South Kalimantan enlivened the event.

The morning event also featured GBN’s renditions of "Hari Merdeka" and "Merah Putih," with performances by Mawar De Jongh, Novia Bachmid, and Olivia Pardede. The afternoon session continued with GBN’s "Aku Indonesia," HIVI!’s "Satu-satunya" and "Semenjak Ada Dirimu," and Maliq & D’essentials’ hits like "Senja" and "Drama Romantika."

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