Presidents' daughters to hit the catwalk

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Daughters of three former presidents are expected to hit the catwalk soon for a fashion show to promote the country's traditional attire.

Former president Soeharto's daughter Siti Hedijati "Titiek" Soeharto; the daughter of former president Megawati Soekarnoputri, Puan Maharani; and former president Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid's daughter Zannuba "Yenny" Arifah Chafsoh Rahman have all agreed to take part in a fashion show that will showcase Indonesia's traditional batik, songket and Javanese kebaya.

Event organizer Maya Suharnoko was quoted by Antara newswire as saying the fashion show, scheduled for June 5, would also feature other well-known personalities.

These include the deputy governor of the Bank of Indonesia, Miranda Goeltom; the wife of Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso, Rini Sutiyoso and her daughter Reny; the wife of former Golkar Party chairman Akbar Tanjung, Nina Tanjung; and actresses Jajang C. Noer and Rima Melati.

The novice catwalk models are expected to wear the clothes of some of the country's most celebrated designers, including Chossy Latu, Ghea Panggabean, Oscar Lawalatta and Samuel Wattimena.

Organizers and models of the fashion show have met with First Lady Ani Yudhoyono, who gave her endorsement for the program.

In the meeting, Ani encouraged the spouses of state officials to wear the country's traditional attire on official occasions, as part of a national campaign to promote Indonesian culture.

Ani also called on designers to work closely with government agencies to promote traditional Indonesian attire.

Those agencies include the Industry Ministry, Trade Ministry, the State Ministry for Culture and Tourism and the State Ministry for Cooperatives and Small and Medium State Enterprises.