Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi’s Fashion Diplomacy: Second Year Style Journal

Let us seize the day…

Move forward….

Build a world that is full of peace, stability, and prosperity

(The Annual Press Statement of

Indonesian Foreign Minister, 7 January 2016)

Last year, I published Indonesian Foreign Minister’s Retno Marsudi first year style journal which chronicled her wonderful looks during the period of 2014-2015 (http://jetfashiondiplomacy.blogspot.com.au/2015/11/minister-retnos-fashion-diplomacy-first.html).

Honestly, I am ecstatic to write this piece as it chronicles the second year style journal (2015-2016) of Madam Marsudi, which is even bolder and brighter than before.

Ibu Retno, as the face of Indonesian diplomacy, has been featured by notable international and local media. The fashion darlings as well as Batik aficionado in Indonesia and abroad have also admired her Excellency’s firm yet fashionable signature looks.

Throughout her engagements for 2015-2016 terms, Minister Retno has imminently paved the way in fore-fronting fashion as a tool of diplomacy among Indonesia and other sovereign nations. Either in a pair of pretty Indonesian Batik culottes while introducing Indonesia’s candidature to serve as a Non-Permanent Member of the United Nations Security Council for the term 2019-2020 in New York, or wearing a Batik blouse as she welcomed Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid of Belgium, Minister Retno’s unique look has stood as a testimony on her enduring commitment in highlighting Indonesian fashion and traditional textile, including Batik, Tenun, Ikat, etc.

Being a member of Indonesia’s Diplomatic Corps, as well as someone who is addressing the role of fashion in diplomacy, nothing gives me greater pride and pleasure than seeing that on Her Excellency’s second year leading the Foreign Ministry, Indonesian fashion diplomacy gets more striking and stunning than before.

Scroll through the following images of Ibu Retno and witness how Indonesian fashion diplomacy has gone from strength to strength during the second year of Minister Retno’s term.

Can’t get enough with Minister Retno’s fashion diplomacy? Stay tuned to my regular updates on Her Excellency’ splendid looks in Instagram (@JETANDJUNG) and Facebook page (JET Fashion Diplomacy).

Ps. Catatan Kecil untuk rekans diplomat, sahabats fashionista dan desainer Indonesia, di tahun kedua sejak beliau dilantik, Menteri Luar Negeri Ibu Retno Marsudi tetap setia menampilkan komitmen 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 jas hitam yang modern dan praktis dipadani dengan celana (kulot) Batik motif Parang Rusak yang anggun dan tradisional. Dalam berbagai kesempatan, Ibu Menlu telah memberikan contoh bahwa terdapat berbagai opsi 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!

While Her Excellency Madam Marsudi serves as Indonesia’s first female Foreign Minister, she is also first and foremost a wife and mother of two beloved sons.

Mr Agus and Mrs Retno Marsudi welcomed President Joko Widodo and First Lady Madam Iriana Widodo at their son’s wedding, Mr Dyota Marsudi with Ms Ria Lucky, in 2015. 

Tenun (hand-woven) jacket from Nusa Tenggara was chosen by Foreign Minister Madam Retno Marsudi when she and General Gatot (Chief of Armed Forces) accompanied President Joko Widodo during his press briefings.

Batik fashion statement in New York!

Batik culotte is Madam Marsudi’s chic fashion statement as Her Excellency officially announced Indonesia’s candidature to United Nations Security Council non-permanent membership for 2019-2020 term. #Indonesia4UNSC

H.E. Mr Jusuf Kalla (Indonesia’s Vice President), as the Guest of Honor, and H.E. Mr Dian Triansyah Djani (Indonesian Permanent Representative/Ambassador to United Nations) also presided the event.

When diplomacy icon meets art maestro.

Foreign Minister does not pose a lot but when she does, she does, it is for the best Indonesian maestro, Mr Jeihan Sukmantoro. Mr Sukmantoro is a prominent Indonesian maestro who is renowned for his “hollow eyes” paintings. The hollow eyes encapsulate Jeihan’s philosophy: “we are all walking in the darkness of mystery, we still don’t know where we’ll go”. (http://www.jeihangallery.com).

Icon of Indonesia’s Fashion Diplomacy.

Her Excellency with Lulu Lutfi Labibi, Indonesia’s it designer. Lulu is known for his clean-cut monochromatic lurik (line patterned textile).

Retro-inspired look.

Ibu Retno wore a 1950s inspired black and white dress, as she accompanied by Vice Minister AM Fachir and Madam Yasmin Fachir for the inauguration of Director Generals, including H.E. Mr Jose Tavares (DG for ASEAN Cooperation).

Not just a Foreign Minister but also a Mother figure to all Indonesians.

Madam Marsudi is seen wearing a Batik coat-like dress during the press conference to announce the successful return of Indonesian fishermen which were held hostages in Philippines.

Parang Rusak is the pattern painted on Her Excellency’s outfit. In the 19^th century, parang was an exclusive pattern for Javanese Sultans and the Royal Family. Nowadays, parang is one of the best loved patterns of Indonesian Batik.

A woman of substance and grace.

At the Trade Expo Indonesia, Foreign Minister with Trade Minister, Mr Enggartiasto Lukita, and Industry Minister, Mr Airlangga Hartarto. Foreign Minister wear deep blue long kebaya and Tenun sarong.

The lady that made the dress and not the other way around.

Her Excellency (center) accompanied by Madam Yasmin Fachir (spouse of Vice Minister) and Madam Caecilia Legowo (spouse of Secretary General) at the 71^st anniversary of Foreign Ministry. Madam Marsudi wore a navy blue kebaya with fuschia sarong.

Her Majesty and Her Excellency.

Queen Maxima of the Netherlands with Madam Marsudi during Her Majesty’s visit to Jakarta.

The lady Minister in tenun Makassar.

Her Excellency wore monochromatic tenun long kebaya as she observed the Batik creations of Foreign Ministry’s Indonesian Art and Culture Scholarship awardees from 41 countries.

The female Minister among the male compatriots.

At the Diplomatic and Chambers of Commerce Gathering, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi wore a sogan Batik top with Foreign Vice Minister Mr AM Fachir and Head of Investment Board, Mr Tom Lembong and business representatives.

Walk proudly and confidently in Batik.

Her Excellency, dressed in black and white Batik, led the foreign delegation entering the State Palace in Jakarta.

As Tom Jones crooned once, “She’s the lady!”

Madam Marsudi, dressed in a pin-striped blouse, delivered a keynote speech in Gadjah Mada University, her alma mater. As a graduate of the University, Minister Marsudi inspired thousands of young students to follow her footsteps.

Power pantsuit favourite.

Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi donned one of her favourite pantsuits at the launching of 2016 Indonesia’s Peace Corps. Here she is with the female officers. In 2015, Indonesia ranks 12^th largest country that sends the peace keeping troops, including 51 female officers.

Flowers and ladies, inseparable!

H.E. Ms Frederica Mogherini, The High Representative of European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, presented a colourful bouquet to Foreign Minister Marsudi during her work visit to Brussels in November 2016.

The people’s Foreign Minister.

Amidst her hectic schedule, Her Excellency always finds time to meet and greet Indonesians in abroad, including 100 Indonesian fishermen working in Malaysia. Simply adore this ribboned hat of Her Excellency.

The humble and smiling Foreign Minister.

Even though Her Excellency has to face numerous interviews daily, she keeps smiling and warmly greets the reporters.

Lovely lurik.

Welcoming Palestine Foreign Minister Mr Riyad Al-Maliki in Jakarta, Madam Marsudi added glam to her black blouse by putting on a lurik sarong.

Elegant hijab.

In a visit to Saudi Arabia, Her Excellency wore a greenish flowery hijab which complement her monochromatic look during various meetings, including with H.E. Dr Nizar bin Obaid Madani (State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia).

The Princess and The Minister.

Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid of Belgium, wearing a Batik scarf, greeted by President Joko Widodo, Foreign Minister Marsudi and Head of Investment Coordinating Board Mr Franky Sibarani. Princess Astrid brought 300 business actors representing 127 companies.

Dress impeccable and make a real change!

Impeccably dressed in black long kebaya-like coat, Madam Marsudi witnessed as top-level officials took their oaths to serve in Foreign Ministry.

Foreign Minister who cares about Indonesia’s traditional knowledge and folklore.

Her Excellency with the Papuans as she observed the making process of Noken, a traditional bag. In 2012, Noken bag is acknowledged by UNESCO as Indonesia’s intangible cultural heritage.

Not just Batik but also Rangrang fan.

In welcoming Foreign Minister of Armenia, H.E. Mr Edward Nabaldian, Her Excellency puts on monochromatic Balinese Rangrang long blouse The Guardian’s coverage of Foreign Minister Madam Marsudi. Her Excellency put on a flowery wrap on the top of her jacket.

Working out in style.

Her Excellency with Australian counterpart, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, during a morning walk at the sidelines of IORA conference in Bali.

The main drivers of Indonesia’s diplomacy and creative economy.

Mr Triawan Munaf, Head of Indonesia’s Creative Economy Agency, with Her Excellency during a gathering. Madam Marsudi wore a monochromatic Batik blouse.

Girl power.

Dutch and Indonesian female Ministers, including Foreign Minister Marsudi, shared a tender moment during the official visit of Prime Minister of the Netherlands in Jakarta.

Bold and impressive pattern, why not?!

Her Excellency, wore a skirt with flamingo pattern, accompanied by Mr Agus Marsudi as they attended a Christmas celebration at the residence of H.E. Mr Kristiarto Legowo (Secretary General of Foreign Ministry) and Madam Caecilia Legowo.

JET is honoured to meet Foreign Minister Marsudi on this joyful gathering.

Greetings from Sydney.

Madam Foreign Minister, in the center, with Indonesian Ambassador to Australia, H.E. Mr Nadjib Riphat Kesuma, and Consul Generals and Consul in Australia, (L-R) Mr Andre Omer Siregar (Consul for Northern Territory), Mr Ade Padmo (Consul General for Western Australia), Mrs Dewi Savitri Wahab (Consul General for Victoria and Tasmania), Dr Yayan GH Mulyana (Consul General for NSW, SA and QLD).

G’day Australia.

Her Excellency with JET during the Foreign Minister’s official visit to Sydney in November 2016.

Note:

All photos are copyrighted by its owners. Each reproduction requires further communication to JET and the related media.

Photo credit: President Joko Widodo (instagram), Mr Triawan Munaf (instagram), Kementerian Luar Negeri RI (Facebook and twitter), Sekretariat Kabinet (instagram), Liputan 6, The Jakarta Post.

#JETFashionDiplomacy

#ForeignMinisterRetnoMarsudi

#MenluRetnoMarsudi

#IndonesianForeignMinister

#MenteriLuarNegeriRI

#KemluRI

#IndonesianDiplomat

#IndonesianAmbassador

#IndonesianFashionDiplomacy

#IndonesianBatik

#IndonesianTenun

#IntangibleCulturalHeritage

#WearBatikAnywhere

#ProudIndonesian