Minister Retno’s Fashion Diplomacy: First Year Style Journal

I learned to be a gracious diplomat from Pak Ali Alatas.

I learned to keep my head cool when facing problems from Pak Hassan Wirajuda.

I also learned what it means to fight for national interests from Pak Arizal Effendi

(Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi’s words to The Jakarta Post, 2012)

One year has passed since Ibu Retno Marsudi took the oath as the Indonesian Foreign Minister in Work Cabinet under the leadership of President Joko Wododo (2014-2019). Since then, Minister Retno has been leading the Foreign Ministry and its missions to achieve the three main priorities of Indonesian Foreign Policy for 2014-2019, namely maintaining Indonesia’s sovereignty, enhancing the protection of Indonesian citizens, and intensifying economic diplomacy.

Indonesia’s thriving fashion and creative industry, including Batik, Ikat, Karawang, Songket, Tapis, Tenun and other Indonesian textiles, is part and parcel with Indonesian economic and cultural diplomacy.

This article aims to feature Ibu Retno’s best looks to date serve as a testimony on the important role of fashion in boosting diplomacy.

As the face of Indonesian diplomacy, not only that her voices have been recorded and interviewed by countless journalists, but Ibu Retno’s firm yet fashionable signature looks have also been published by numerous leading media.

Throughout her engagements, Minister Retno has led the way in successfully fore-fronting fashion as a tool of diplomacy. Either in a pair of traditional kebaya and Batik cloth, or in a Batik dress to meet her Foreign Secretaries counterparts, e.g. Cardinal Pietro Parolin of Holy See, or in a power suit during tête-à-tête with one of the most celebrated women in the world, the beautiful Mrs Amal Clooney, Minister Retno keeps her cool by looking sharp and elegant in Indonesian-made fashion ensembles.

As an active member of the Indonesian Foreign Ministry, I am thoroughly proud as well as utterly delighted to acknowledge that, under the auspice guidance of Her Excellency Retno Marsudi, Indonesian fashion diplomacy is alive and kicking at the Foreign Ministry! 

Now, gaze through the following photos of Ibu Retno and witness how Indonesian fashion diplomacy has gone from strength to strength during the first year of Minister Retno’s term.

Can’t get enough with Minister Retno’s fashion diplomacy? Stay tuned to my coverage on Her Excellency’ splendid looks in instagram (@JETJAKARTA), Facebook page (JET Fashion Diplomacy) and twitter (@Jonesey4Eva).

Ps. Catatan Kecil untuk rekans diplomat, sahabats fashionista dan desainer Indonesia, Menteri Luar Negeri Ibu Retno Marsudi telah menampilkan dedikasi beliau untuk mempromosikan diplomasi fesyen Indonesia dalam setiap event. Setiap pilihan busana Ibu Retno tidak hanya menampilkan kecintaan Ibu Retno atas warisan budaya Tanah Air namun juga sejalan dengan prioritas politik luar negeri Indonesia yaitu diplomasi pro-rakyat (diplomacy for the people). Ada saatnya Ibu Retno mengenakan kebaya dan sarung Batik, ada pula saatnya dimana beliau tampil dengan pantsuit namun tetap mengedepankan a touch of Nusantara, misalnya dihiasi bros corsage dari Batik atau perhiasan tradisional dari berbagai daerah di Indonesia. Singkat kata, Ibu Menlu telah memberikan contoh bahwa terdapat berbagai cara untuk mempromosikan fesyen Indonesia. Selain itu, diplomasi fesyen Indonesia seharusnya tidak hanya dilakukan oleh para diplomat Indonesia, namun juga oleh seluruh anggota masyarakat Indonesia, termasuk sahabats fashionista, desainer dan pelaku/pemerhati mode Tanah Air. Mari kita bersama meniru Ibu Menlu yang bangga untuk mempromosikan fashion Tanah Air kapan saja dan dimana saja! Hidup Batik, Tenun, Ikat, Songket, Karawang, Tapis dan wastra Nusantara lainnya! Move forward Indonesian fashion diplomacy!

Her Excellency’s signature smile and the Tiga Negeri Batik jacket that began the Indonesian fashion diplomacy.

Minister Retno Marsudi wore a jacket made from the legendary Batik Tiga Negeri (Three States) with the pattern of Sido Mukti (in English, means continuous prosperity or happiness). This pattern used to be an exclusive pattern for Royal Javanese brides and grooms. The cloth is called Tiga Negeri because its colouring was concluded in three cities (Solo/Jogja for dark brown/soga, Lasem for red, Pekalongan for blue).

Shortly after her inauguration in Merdeka Palace last year, Minister Retno was welcomed by her board of First and Second Echelons in Gedung Pancasila, including the female Director Generals and Board of Directors. H.E. Madam Esti Andayani (Director General for Information and Public Diplomacy), H.E. Madam Wening Estyprobo (Indonesian Ambassador to Hungary), Madam Siti Nugraha Mauludiah (Director for Technical Cooperation), Madam Anita Luhulima (Indonesian Deputy Chief of Mission in London) are among the female directors who attended the event. Closely observe the beautiful Batik clothes worn by these high-level officials. Photo source: Ibu Anita Luhulima.

Now, this is what I call a glam Foreign Minister!

With her beloved husband Mr Agus Marsudi on her side, the Indonesian Foreign Minister walked elegantly and glamorously in a black sequinned kebaya, red hand-painted Batik and as she attended a soirée. Photo source: Detik.com (http://www.detik.com/)

Looking elegant in a lavender tunic-style baju kurung with Balinese rangrang hand-woven cloth, Foreign Minister Retno welcomed the spouses of Indonesian Ministers and Members of Kabinet Kerja (OASE organization) in Foreign Ministry headquarter.

Her Excellency is accompanied by Madam Yasmin Fachir (spouse of Indonesian Foreign Vice Minister), Madam Caecilia Legowo (spouse of Secretary General/chairwoman of Dharma Wanita Kemlu), Madam Lista Damayanti Djani (spouse of Director General on American and European Affairs), Madam Rusdijana Puja (spouse of Director General on ASEAN Affairs), Madam Eva Adamhar (spouse of Director General on Legal Affairs and International Treaties/vice chair of Dharma Wanita Kemlu) and spouses of First Echelon officers of Foreign Ministry.

I simply adore the blue kebaya which is presented as a stylish uniform by the spouses of First Echelon officers as the blue color embodies the symbolic color and official motto of Foreign Ministry, namely Caraka Buana. 

The Indonesian Foreign Ministry in collaboration with Dharma Wanita Persatuan Kemlu (organization of Indonesian civil servants’ spouses) provided a special presentation on state protocol, international etiquette and fashion session. Photo source: Dharma Wanita Persatuan Kementerian Luar Negeri (in Facebook).

In 1986, Chris de Burgh was the man behind the famous “Lady In Red” song. In 2015, Minister Retno shows that she is more than just a lady in red as she is a Lady Minister in red kebaya!

Red is closely associated with the Chinese as it is the colour of its national flag, red is also closely associated to Indonesians as it is also the dominant color of our official flag, Sang Merah Putih (The Red and White).

By wearing a red kebaya on the top of Batik sarong, Minister Retno on one hand conveys a message of friendship and partnership to her Chinese counterparts, H.E. Mr Wang Yi (Foreign Minister of People’s Republic of China). On the other hand, Minister Wang also offered a warm friendly gesture by putting on an Indonesian Batik shirt during his official visit to President Joko Widodo in State Palace, Jakarta. This is a good sample of full-fledged fashion diplomacy!!!

Ladies, remember that it is the woman that makes the dress and not the other way around! I am head over heels with Ibu Retno’s effortlessly chic style in this photo.

In a pretty greenish colored Indonesian Batik dress with a matching belt, Ibu Retno looks immaculate as she welcomed H.E. Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Vatican/Holy See’s Secretary of State) in Jakarta.

History-making fashion diplomacy in Bandung!

Accompanied President Joko Widodo and First Lady Iriana Widodo, who dressed in a fuschia coloured kebaya with Indonesian Batik sarong and sash, as well as other visiting Heads of States, Her Excellency Retno Marsudi looks impeccable! Ibu Retno wore a burgundish kebaya with a piece of yellow Batik sarong while conducting the historical walk at the 60^th Asian African Conference in Bandung.

Her Excellency Retno Marsudi, dressed in an Indonesian Batik blouse with a combined pattern of Parang and Kawung, offered her sincere sympathies to one of the Indonesian migrant workers. These migrant workers were repatriated from Syria. Photo source: Antara News (http://www.antaranews.com)

In a white embroidered kebaya and Batik sarong and accompanied by her Vice Minister, H.E. Mr A.M. Fachir, and the Board of Director Generals, Ibu Retno soft spoken yet firmly presented the priorities of Indonesian foreign policy 2014-21019, including diplomacy for the people and maritime diplomacy. The first echelon attended, among others, (L-R): H.E. Mr Hasan Kleib (Director General for Multilateral Affairs), H.E. Mr Darmansjah Djumala (Head of Policy Analysis and Development Agency), H.E. Mr A.M. Fachir (Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs), H.E. Mr Yohanes Kristiarto Suryo Legowo (Secretary General), H.E. Mr Yuri Thamrin (Director General for Asian, Pacific and African Affairs), H.E. Mrs Esti Andayani (Director General for Information and Public Diplomacy).

Minister Retno overcomes the chilly and windy afternoon in New York by looking sharp in a black coat with colourful flowery appliques.

In this photo, Her Excellency accompanied the Indonesian Vice President, H.E. Mr Jusuf Kalla, as Head of Indonesian delegate in the United Nations General Assembly’s 70^th session in New York. There were other female Ministers who also attended the UNGA, namely H.E. Mrs Nila Moeloek (Health Minister) and H.E. Mrs Puan Maharani (Coordinating Minister for Social Welfare). Photo source: Mr Danny Rahdiansyah (First Secretary on Political Affairs, Indonesian Permanent Mission to UN in New York).

A delightful dash of red and green!

Minister Retno shows that she is fond of vibrant of colours as she is seen in a dashing pair of Red and Green jumputan kebaya and cloth at the opening of Third Congress of Indonesian Diaspora in Jakarta.

A  charming vision in turquoise!

Turquoise colored tunic style kebaya with its matching coloured corsage worn on the top of red colored Batik sarong is the fashion preference of Minister Retno while attending the Diplomatic Reception on the 70^th Indonesian Independence Anniversary in New York.

Her Excellency is accompanied by H.E. Dr Desra Percaya (Indonesian Permanent Representative/Ambassador to the United Nations) and Madam Sari Percaya. Madam Percaya wears an embroidered blue long kebaya matched with a pair of golden-thread Songket sarong and shawl. Songket is a traditional textile known for its intricate golden threads woven appliques which originate from South Sumatera province in Indonesia.

After the reception took place, the home staff of Indonesian Mission in New York were given a chance to take photo with Ibu Menlu, including my dear friend and long time colleague, Mrs Indah Nuria Savitri (First Secretary) and spouse, Mr Rudi Frakarsa, and their lovely daughter, Obi. Mrs Savitri wears a purple and orange kebaya matched with a violet coloured Tapis sarong and sash. Tapis is an Indonesian hand-woven traditional textile which originate from the province of Lampung. Photo source: Mrs Indah Nuria Savitri.

An understated yet timeless elegance is achieved when one puts a three-strand necklace of pearls on the top of black dresses. Need more evidences? See how Ibu Retno’s Indonesian-crafted necklace turn heads, including Amal Clooney’s.

The United Nations headquarter stood as a silent witness when the first female Indonesian Foreign Minister met one of the world’s most famous women, the immaculately dressed Amal Clooney. The three gentlemen behind these two amazing women were, namely H.E. Mr Hasan Kleib (Director General for Multilateral Affairs), H.E. Mr Muhammad Anshor (Deputy Permanent Representative of Indonesia to the United Nations) and Mr Danny Rahdiansyah (First Secretary, Indonesian Permanent Mission to the UN). Photo courtesy: Ratih (Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs).

Ladies and gentlemen, start accessorizing your all-black outfit with a pair of colourful shawl and camellia brooch then witness a unique look!

Take an example from Ibu Retno’s visit to Sydney recently. Ibu Retno is accompanied by the Indonesian Ambassador, Consul General and diplomats (L-R), as follows:

Mr Franky Silalahi, Mr JET, Mr Iman Havid, H.E. Mr Nadjib Riphat Kesoema (Indonesian Ambassador to Australia and Vanuatu), Dr Yayan Mulyana (Indonesian Consul General to NSW, South Australia and Queensland).

Don’t we adore when kebaya and sarong become the dress-code of the important meetings hosted by Minister Retno?!!!

Ibu Retno embraces her feminine side in this lovely pair of embroidered kebaya kutubaru and Indonesian Batik sarong. She is seen with the Indonesian Education and Culture Minister, H.E. Mr. Anies Baswedan, after signing a Shared Ministerial Regulation between the Foreign Ministry and Education and Culture Ministry. Photo source: Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs twitter (@PORTAL_KEMLU_RI).

Yes, France is famous with Hermes and Chanel, but when a French lady sets her eyes on Batik, she will be besotted with Batik for always!

Ibu Retno sits next to H.E. Madam Corinne Breuny, the French Ambassador to Indonesia, who wears a coat-style jacket made from Indonesian Batik. The classic brownish color of Indonesian Batik jacket is called soga, and thus the Batik is generally referred to sogan. Photo source: France Embassy to Indonesia’s homepage (http://www.ambafrance-id.org/).

“A position, regardless of its importance, is temporary in nature. After all, what determines us as humans is our values”, as stated by Ibu Retno to the young reporters who visited her in Indonesian Foreign Ministry headquarter in Jakarta.

Minister Retno is seen wearing a Tenun (hand-woven cloth) jacket-style blouse accessorized with a three strand cloth necklace in this photo. Photo source: Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs twitter (@PORTAL_KEMLU_RI).

Minister Retno + Minister Susi = Girl Power !!!

Minister Retno, who dressed in a sogan Batik jacket-style bolero and a taupe coloured leather tote bag, co-chaired a meeting with H.E. Madam Susi Pudjiastuti (Indonesian Minister for Marine Affairs and Fisheries) who wore a geometric patterned Batik scarf. Since serving in the Work Cabinet, both Minister Retno and Minister Susi have successfully served as inspiring figures to younger generations. Photo source: Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries homepage (http://kkp.go.id)

This Foreign Minister is at ease with her jeans, fedora and Batik shawl as she is also in kebaya!

Accompanied by H.E. Mr Jose Tavares (Indonesian Ambassador to New Zealand and Tonga), Ibu Retno retains her cool style while visiting Whenuanui Cattle Farm, in Helensville, Auckland, New Zealand. Photo source: Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs twitter (@PORTAL_KEMLU_RI).

The first female Indonesian foreign Minister and the first female Australian foreign Minister!

During Their Excellencies’ bilateral meeting which took place during the 15^th IORA Council Meeting in Padang recently, H.E. Ms Julie Bishop (Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs) provided a special memento in the form of Australian Aboriginal Batik cloth to her counterpart, H.E. Mrs Retno Marsudi. Photo source: Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs twitter (@PORTAL_KEMLU_RI).

Last but certainly not least, Ibu Retno shows that ministering and modelling work well together!

In accordance to President Joko Widodo’s calling for each Indonesian diplomat to become the country’s best promoter/marketer, including fashion, Minister Retno led an excellent example to effectively promote fashion diplomacy as she participated on the runway at the finale of fashion show in celebration of 70^th Anniversary of Indonesian Foreign Ministry in Jakarta.

Minister Retno wore a maroonish cheongsam style kebaya with a matching coloured Indonesian Batik cloth. Photo source: detik.com (http://www.detik.com/)

Thumbs uppp for Ibu Retno’s fashion diplomacy!

You weeerk it, Lady Minister!!!

#JETFashionDiplomacy,#MenluRetnoMarsudi,#MinisterRetno,#IndonesianForeignMinister,#KemluRI,#IndonesianFashionDiplomacy,#IndonesianBatik,#IndonesianTraditionalCulturalExpression,#ProudIndonesian,#IndonesianTextiles