GIANYAR, Bali (BPN) – Since the early 20th century, the sarong has been a part of Indonesian culture and has served as a nationalist symbol. The existence and use of sarong in the community continue to be preserved through National Sarong Day, inaugurated by President Joko Widodo in 2019 and held annually on March 3rd.
In order to continue to popularize the use of sarong in society, the Indonesian Fashion Chamber (IFC) encourages the use of sarong with a contemporary style, which can be adapted according to global market tastes.
In order to become a trendsetter, the fashion industry in Indonesia must have an identity that can be used as a distinguishing feature from western fashion products, and sarong can be an exciting breakthrough.
IFC Chapter Denpasar took part in this campaign by hosting a gathering attended by well-known designers in Bali, as well as students from the fashion department. The goal of the gathering is to learn cool sarong styling techniques that will allow for both local and international market appeal.
According to Neli Gunawan, Deputy Chairperson of IFC Denpasar, this gathering aims a campaign for the use of sarong as a national movement and to get international recognition.
Neli claimed that many people still don’t frequently use sarong and believe that it is associated with particular religions.
“The sarong is not related to one particular religion. It is actually more of an Indonesian tradition,” she said after the Gathering at the Masa Masa Bali restaurant on Sunday (3/5/2023).
Neli explained, Sarong is commonly worn by Easterners, especially Indonesian. Therefore, the sarong can be used as an Indonesian fashion identity.
Neli said, one of IFC’s missions is to introduce sarong as a fashion trend. “Sarong is a style of clothing, and can be used as a substitute for skirts and pants, both for women and men,” she explained.
The event uses the hashtag #Sarongismynewstyle, as well as introduces the sarong as a fashion item that can be combined with other items, such as shirts, blouses, outerwear, and others.
Meanwhile, in Bali, Neli explained that sarong is acceptable to tourists, especially for foreign tourists who use it often at the beach.
Neli believes that sarong has the potential to go global, especially since there are many fashion shows abroad, such as in France and Milan, which use sarongs similar to those worn in Indonesia.
“For me (going global) is not an impossible thing. But our own people should not forget that this is our culture too, like batik,” she said.
Regarding this sarong campaign, IFC has also sent an open letter to President Jokowi urging the president to revive the movement.
“Our hope is that the style of sarong, which is an eastern style of dress, can align with the western style. Aligned with skirts and pants, becomes an urban and global style,” IFC mentioned in the letter.
IFC also explained that the use of the sarong movement will be able to move the community’s economy, for designers, weavers, or MSMEs.
 – Since the early 20th century, the sarong has been a part of Indonesian culture and has served as a nationalist symbol. The existence and use of sarong in the community continue to be preserved through National Sarong Day, inaugurated by President Joko Widodo in 2019 and held annually on March 3rd.){kind=link}