Jakarta. President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and other government officials dress in traditional costumes to portray Indonesia’s diverse culture, as the country celebrates 76 years of independence.

Jokowi led the flag hoisting ceremony at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday, while wearing the traditional costume of the Lampung Pepadun people. The president's ensemble consisted of a white long-sleeved shirt, as well as a red tumpal sarong with gold details. He also wore a cloth that draped from his right shoulder, a belt, as well as a head covering — all in similar red-gold colors.

Whereas First Lady Iriana Joko Widodo donned an ivory national costume, adorned with a songket and headscarf in a matching color. 

“I have worn the traditional attires of Aceh, Minangkabau, Sunda, Java, Sasak, Bali, Bugis, and so on. We are truly rich in culture,” Jokowi tweeted in his official account on Tuesday.

Vice President Ma'ruf Amin and his wife Wury Ma'ruf Amin attended the ceremony in a predominantly navy colored Sundanese attire from Sukabumi, West Java. The vice president completed his look with a white batik cloth wrapped around his waist and a headpiece. Whereas Wury also donned a white Sundanese jarik. 

"In the spirit of the 76th Independence Day, let's rise together as a nation to face the Covid-19 pandemic," Ma'ruf Amin said. 

Reading the proclamation text at the ceremony was Puan Maharani, the House of Representatives speaker and granddaughter of founding president Sukarno. She appeared in the Bundo Kanduang costume, which is notable for its horned headress.

"This traditional attire from Lintau, Tanah Datar, West Sumatra, is worn in traditional occassions like weddings and the bestowal of [honorary title] datuak. [It also] symbolizes the important role of mothers," Puan wrote on her Instagram. 

Meanwhile, Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno dressed in a purple colored Teluk Belanga attire from Riau.

On his Instagram, Sandiaga gave a shout-out to Dilla Novia, the 29-year-old designer behind his attire. The minister also applauded Dilla for establishing LAVIA (@laviafashion), a fashion business of two years which is now employing 15 people.

"This proves that millennials can become today's heroes who are able to drive the country's creative economy sector and create jobs for other young people. Keep moving forward, Indonesian youths!” Sandiaga said.