Jakarta — Recently released, the Indonesian national team’s parade uniform for the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony, scheduled for Friday, July 26 at 7:30 PM local time, has become a hot topic on social media.
Designed by Indonesian designer Didit Hediprasetyo, the uniform emphasizes the beauty of Indonesian art and culture and is inspired by legendary Indonesian artist Raden Saleh.
For the men’s uniform, Didit features strong cultural elements with the Indonesian flag emblem on the right sleeve, symbolizing nationalism. The black blangkon, a traditional Javanese headpiece, adds a classic and historical touch.
Didit also chose plain white trousers for the bottom, paired with vintage-style black sandals, creating a harmony between modernity and cultural heritage.
Meanwhile, the women’s uniform is designed with a simpler yet captivating aesthetic. A red kebaya paired with white trousers and black sandals reflects elegance and simplicity. The red kebaya highlights the traditional beauty of Indonesia in a form that is easy to wear and showcase on an international stage.
In his interview with Herworld Indonesia, Didit revealed that simplicity was the guiding philosophy in creating the parade uniform design. He aimed to showcase beauty that is not excessive yet still mesmerizing, aligning with the Olympic spirit that prioritizes unity and sportsmanship.
“My hope is to create a design that embodies the pride, spirit, and resilience of our nation. At the same time, ensuring that each athlete appears as their best self when competing on the world stage,” he said.
The uniform not only reflects Indonesia’s cultural heritage but also demonstrates the capability of Indonesian designers to create works that can compete on the international stage. The presence of this uniform at the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony is expected to boost national pride and introduce the beauty of Indonesian culture to the world.
Inspired by Raden Saleh, a renowned Indonesian painter known for his expressive and detailed works, the uniform adds artistic value. Raden Saleh, with his internationally acclaimed works, symbolizes the excellence of Indonesian art.
Drawing inspiration from him, Didit has successfully created a uniform that is not only functional but also possesses high artistic value.
With the release of this parade uniform, the Indonesian contingent is ready to shine at the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony, bringing nationalism and cultural pride to the world stage. Their presence will be a significant moment, showcasing the richness of Indonesian culture and the talent of young Indonesian designers in creating praiseworthy works.
