Nyong Manado Wears Karawang: JET Returns to Ancestors Land

Walk in the valley of our ancestors,

Learn of the history,

And marvel at the beauty

(New Zealand proverb)

Due to my work, I have been fortunate to travel to not only most beautiful places such as New York and Paris but also most intriguing destinations such as Nadi and Palermo. Isn’t it funny that a visit to one special place would trigger a homecoming sense?

I wonder whether it is because my maternal grandparents were born and raised there, or whether because my Mother grew up there. Either it is due to the turquoise shore lines awaiting visitors, or simply because of its lush array of coconut trees. All of these have surely added to that tingling yet joyful sense I feel during each return trip to Manado.

The capital of North Sulawesi province, Manado is a beach city which is located in a near distance of Mountainous areas. No wonder the city attracted the most celebrated tourists from time to time. No less than Diana, Princess of Wales to Princess Beatrix, then as Queen of the Netherlands visited Manado to experience diving in Bunaken, the world’s famous sea garden.

Since my return trip is a work related one, I had no time to visit Bunaken. Instead I was invited to deliver a presentation at the University of Sam Ratulangi, Faculty of Political and Social Studies.

Being a half Manadonese, I have been accustomed to see my grandparents and parents as well as their siblings dressed up in Karawang suits for men and kebaya or blouse for women. Karawang is a hand-woven traditional textile from Manado and Gorontalo. The patterns of Karawang follow the traditional patterns from wooden traditional houses in Minahasa as well as classic icons.

Naturally, for this work visit to the land of my ancestors, I have prepared an heirloom Karawang attire. A family heirloom because it was passed down from my Father. He used to wear the beige colored ‘safari’ attire during the 1980s.

Have you been returning lately to your native land or ancestors home? Do you share my homecoming sense? I bet you feel the same way that I do. That sheer sense of joy. While returning, do take time to visit the craftspeople and find out more about local products or textiles. I am sure you’ll fall in love with the one-of-a-kind creation.

Stay updated with JET’s travel stories in fore-fronting Indonesian fashion in IG (@JETANDJUNG) and Facebook Page (JET Fashion Diplomacy).

Ps. Catatan Kecil untuk Sahabats Fashionista dan Rekans Diplomat

Pada saat melakukan kunjungan dinas atau pribadi keluar kota maunpun keluar negeri, coba pelajari kain tradisional yang menjadi ikon wastra setempat. Yakin lah bahwa tuan rumah penyelenggara pertemuan akan semakin menghargai kedatangan tamunya jika sang tamu pun dengan bangga mengenakan busana tradisional daerah setempat. Saat JET masuk Kampus Universitas Sam Ratulangi (UNSRAT) mengenakan busana karawang, banyak dosen dan mahasiswa yang menyapa dengan hangat “Hello Nyong Manado” (“Hello Manadonese young man” à  in English).

Mari mulai menggali kembali budaya tradisional dengan mengenakan busana Batik/Tenun/Ikat/Tapis/Songket dan wastra Nusantara. Aside from looking stunning in this outstanding piece of traditional textile, one could also pay respect to the elderlies and leaders of local communities by wearing their traditional attires. After all, we all could call ourselves the 21^st century citizens of the globe, but we should never forget that we are Indonesians and that we are utterly proud of our diverse tradition. Kita Bhinneka, kita Indonesia!

Dressed in his Father’s Karawang work attire known as safari, JET posed in front of Faculty of Law, University of Sam Ratulangi (Unsrat), Manado. The almamater of many Uncles, Aunties and cousins.

Not bad for a Nyong Manado, hey?!!! JJJ

Fun and educational presentation by JET to the undergrad students of Unsrat.

But first let’s take a wefie with H.E. Mr Edi Yusuf (Chair for Indonesian delegate), Dean of Social and Political Study, Mr Park with these fab students.

With fellow speakers at Public Consultation between RI and Republic of Korea.

Looking out for the best Karawang with my Diplomat sista, Ms Rima Cempaka.

Look at this intricately woven Karawang silk cloth. The more intricate the weaving process, the more priceless the cloth becomes. This specific one may take up to 6 months or even more to be finalized.

My parents in front of the hand-stamped colorful Batik Minahasa.

Batik Minahasa known for its landmark icons as well as the iconic creatures of Bunaken sea garden.

Have I mentioned that aside from Karawang, the largest export from Manado is Cakalang floss or Roa floss. Yum!

Look at the bewitching Grande Dame of Manado, namely The Manado Tua (Old Manado) mountain. How I will always remember Manado, charming and mysterious J

Fancy a strong jawline? You mean delicious Tuna jawline right?!!! Love the healthy and spicy Manadonese culinary. Look at those various condiments, my favourite is dabu dabu iris made from fresh tomatoes, chili and red onions. Yummm.

Mom and JET –worn Batik Sapto Hoedojo- after Sunday Mass at Cathedral of The Immaculate Heart of Blessed Virgin Mary, Manado.

#JETFashionDiplomacy

#DiplomatXLawyerXFashionista

#IndonesianFashionDiplomacy

#IndonesianBatik

#IndonesianTenun

#IndonesianDiplomat

#MadeInIndonesia

#WearBatikAnywhere

#WearTenunAnywhere

#FashionDiplomacyBeginsFromTheDiplomats

#Manado

#JETBackToManado

#NorthSulawesi

#Karawang