BALINEWSID.COM, JAKARTA – Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism has clarified the origin of a photograph of Baju Kurung featured on the official tourism promotion website Indonesia.travel, following public attention over the cultural content displayed on the platform.

Deputy Minister of Tourism Marketing Ni Made Ayu Marthini expressed appreciation for the public’s attention and feedback, saying that concern over Indonesia’s cultural heritage reflects a shared commitment to preserving and promoting the country’s cultural wealth.

The ministry explained that the photograph in question was originally published by Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI) in an article titled “Yuk Intip Tata Cara Memakai Baju Kurung Tradisional Kepri” on August 3, 2023.

The article presented Baju Kurung as traditional attire of the people of the Riau Islands and included the photograph that was later used as a reference by the Ministry of Tourism.

In the same year, the ministry cited the material as part of its promotion of Indonesian traditional textiles and cultural heritage from the Riau Islands through an article titled “Baju Kurung” on Indonesia.travel.

Further checks by the ministry found that the same photograph had also been widely used on several Indonesian e-commerce platforms, including Shopee, Lazada and Tokopedia.

The ministry said its team had also examined the products offered by sellers using the photograph. Based on information provided by the sellers on the respective marketplaces, the products were manufactured in Indonesia. Some of the sellers were also found to operate physical stores in the Greater Jakarta area.

The Ministry of Tourism emphasized that Baju Kurung, including the Cekak Musang and Teluk Belanga styles, is part of the traditional attire of Malay communities in Indonesia’s Riau and Riau Islands provinces.

At the same time, the ministry acknowledged that Malay culture has developed across various parts of Southeast Asia, resulting in similarities in traditional clothing among countries that share a broader Malay cultural heritage.

However, each country has developed its own cultural identity, history, terminology and characteristics, which form part of its respective cultural heritage.

The Ministry of Tourism said it would continue to present information about Indonesia’s cultural heritage using credible sources while strengthening efforts to preserve and promote the country’s cultural heritage to both Indonesian and international audiences.

The clarification comes as the ministry seeks to ensure that cultural heritage featured in Indonesia’s tourism promotion is properly sourced and presented within its historical and cultural context.

Source: Communications Bureau, Ministry of Tourism.