Presenting the stories of women across the archipelago through the enduring elegance of traditional attire

The Jakarta Textile Museum once again serves as a meeting point for history, culture, and the role of women through the KEBAYA IBU: Stories, Love, and Culture exhibition. Running until February 1, 2026, the exhibition forms part of the 2025 Mother’s Day commemoration. Through the kebaya, visitors are invited to trace the life journey of Indonesian women while gaining a deeper understanding of the garment as a cultural heritage rich in meaning and values.

The exhibition is organized by the Anugrah Srikandi Indonesia Community in collaboration with the Provincial Government of DKI Jakarta. It was officially opened at the Textile Museum on Jalan KS Tubun, Palmerah, West Jakarta, on Thursday, December 4, 2025. Initially scheduled to conclude on December 31, 2025, the exhibition was later extended until February 1, 2026, allowing more members of the public to experience it.

KEBAYA IBU presents the kebaya not only as traditional attire, but also as a symbol of Indonesian women’s identity. Through the colors, fabric textures, and diverse designs on display, visitors are encouraged to discover traces of women’s lives preserved in each kebaya. The garment is portrayed as a space of memory that records stories, roles, and values passed down from generation to generation.

The exhibition also highlights the gentle and meaningful relationship between mothers and the kebaya. A single piece of kebaya fabric is understood as a guardian of values, a reminder of women’s role in preserving culture, and a bridge between generations that carries love and tradition forward. This perspective invites the public to view the kebaya not merely as clothing, but as an integral part of Indonesia’s social and cultural journey.

Adding to the experience, the exhibition is enlivened by various supporting activities, including talk shows and batik workshops. These programs involve the Family Welfare Empowerment Team (TP PKK) as part of broader efforts to expand cultural education within the community. Through these activities, the exhibition seeks to strengthen public awareness of the importance of preserving the kebaya.

The exhibition showcases a total of 110 kebaya collections from various regions across Indonesia. Sourced from 15 collectors, the collection illustrates the evolution of kebaya designs from the 1930s to the present day. As an Indonesian cultural heritage recognized by UNESCO, the kebaya is reaffirmed as a national identity that must be protected and preserved. Through this exhibition, the Provincial Government of DKI Jakarta hopes the public will continue to recognize, appreciate, and support the sustainability of the kebaya in everyday life.

photo source: instagram.com/museum_tekstiljkt

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