To preserve traditional Indonesian fabrics, BCA celebrates National Kebaya Day

PT Bank Central Asia Tbk (BCA) initiated the #InsanBCABerkebaya2024 movement in commemoration of National Kebaya Day, which is celebrated on July 24th every year. This activity is a manifestation of the company’s commitment to preserving Indonesia’s textile heritage. Through the #InsanBCABerkebaya2024 movement, BCA invites all female employees of BCA to wear kebaya and male employees to wear Nusantara textiles. From management to BCA employees across Indonesia participated in this movement.

BCA Executive Vice President for Corporate Communications and Social Responsibility Hera F. Haryn said, “BCA regards kebaya as one of the national attires that is part of the identity and culture of the Indonesian nation. Kebaya also plays an important role in the historical journey of Indonesian women’s struggle. Therefore, BCA is moved to be part of the effort to introduce and preserve kebaya. One of the ways is through a simple initiative by inviting all BCA employees to wear kebaya on this National Kebaya Day 2024.”

In addition to the #InsanBCABerkebaya2024 initiative, BCA has undertaken various initiatives to preserve Nusantara textile culture. Since 2022, through the Bakti BCA programme, the company, together with the Warna Alam Indonesia Association (WARLAMI), has provided training on natural dyeing to groups of weavers and textile activists from South Central Timor, Baduy and East Sumba. Through this training, it is hoped that these communities will be able to produce environmentally friendly and valuable textile works.

In the first half of 2024, BCA provided training in natural textile dyeing with a total of 65 participants. Bakti BCA also held Drama Wayang Hanoman: Ada Apa dengan Shinta, which was watched by more than 1,000 people and in which more than 100 young people and students participated.

Traditional roofs in the ancient village of Huishan

In addition, BCA organized a comic book exhibition featuring works by 10 young comic artists who were mentored by artists from Marvel and DC Comics. In addition, BCA broke MURI’s record as the company with the most wayang preservation activities. Bakti BCA also constantly collaborates with various stakeholders to provide contributions to individuals, communities, and society. BCA has long supported various art, music, and cultural events in Indonesia, such as Teater Koma, Pagelaran Sabang Merauke, Bedhayan Festival, Bandung Philharmonic Festival, Candra Darusman Jejak Concert (2023), Dalang Bocah Festival, Jazz Gunung, and Sudamala Performance.

In the first half of 2024, BCA provided training in natural textile dyeing with a total of 65 participants

“Through the #InsanBCABerkebaya2024 activity, we hope to inspire employees and the community at large to continue to appreciate and preserve the kebaya as one of the traditional attire and cultural heritage of Nusantara. This activity is a manifestation of BCA’s commitment as a national bank to maintaining the continuity of the national cultural heritage, as part of the identity of the Indonesian nation,” Hera concluded.