PDI-P Hosts Fatmawati Trophy 2026, National Fashion Design Competition

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) held the grand finale of the Fatmawati Trophy 2026 awards at the Grand Sahid Jaya in Jakarta on Sunday night (15/11/2026).

The Chairperson of the National Committee for the Fatmawati Trophy 2026, I Gusti Ayu Bintang Darmawati, explained that the Fatmawati Trophy is a national fashion design competition that brings together talent from all 34 provinces while preserving the legacy of Fatmawati Soekarno.

"This event is not just a fashion design competition; it is an effort to care for the nation's history, revive the spirit of struggle, and create space for creativity and national talent," Bintang stated at a press conference on Sunday.

Bintang added that this competition aims to uphold the history and values of the nation's struggle.

The Chairperson of the Women's and Children's Affairs Committee of PDI-P noted that the organization of the Fatmawati Trophy is rooted in five exemplary principles of Fatmawati Soekarno, which include sensitivity as the crown of humanity, prioritizing substance over noise, equitable education for every child of the nation, gender equality as a developmental strength, and simplicity as an ethical commitment to service.

Bintang also mentioned that the initiator of the Fatmawati Trophy and the designer of its trophy is M. Prananda Prabowo.

"This idea emerged from a contemplation of the importance of immortalizing Mother Fatmawati as a legacy of values and exemplary behavior for the nation," Bintang said.

The launch of the Fatmawati Trophy took place at the Fatmawati Museum in Jakarta, marking the start of the competition series on February 7, 2026.

Selections were conducted across 34 provinces, divided into 15 regional categories, followed by national judging on November 12-13, 2026.

The event is scheduled to be attended by the Soekarno family, including PDI-P Chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri, Head of the Situation Room of the PDI-P Central Board, M. Prananda Prabowo, Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, Sukmawati Soekarnoputri, Henny Guntur Soekarno, Puti Guntur Soekarno, Romy Soekarno, and several ambassadors from friendly countries.

Additionally, the event is also expected to be attended by the Secretary-General of the PDI-P Central Board, Hasto Kristiyanto, the Governor of DKI Jakarta, Pramono Anung, the Deputy Governor of DKI Jakarta, Rano Karno, as well as leaders and officials from the PDI-P Central Board.

The event will also host ambassadors from allied nations, including Japan, South Korea, the People's Republic of China, India, Australia, and the Russian Federation, along with chairs and representatives of PDI-P from across Indonesia, members of the House of Representatives, Regional Representatives Council, community leaders, women's leaders, national figures, designers, creatives, Fatmawati Trophy 2026 finalists, women's communities, kebaya communities, creative communities, and youth.

It is worth noting that Fatmawati Soekarno was born in Bengkulu on February 5, 1923.

In October 1944, while heavily pregnant, she sewed the Sang Saka Merah Putih using a hand sewing machine.

This flag was subsequently raised during Indonesia's Proclamation of Independence on August 17, 1945.

In recognition of her contributions, the government posthumously awarded her the title of National Hero on November 4, 2000.

Meanwhile, the Patron of the Fatmawati Trophy 2026, Nancy Prananda Prabowo, expressed hope that this event would encourage Indonesian designers to promote the fabric of the archipelago, empower local artisans, create economic opportunities, and introduce Indonesia's rich cultural heritage to the world.

"Regardless of the outcome tonight, continue to create and let Indonesian culture be your source of inspiration," Nancy stated.

She added that through the Fatmawati Trophy, the legacy of Fatmawati Soekarno is brought into the creative space of the present generation, serving as a reminder that culture is a significant part of the nation's identity and personality.

Furthermore, a senior Indonesian fashion designer and PDI-P politician noted that this event offers opportunities to regional designers, including talents who have never appeared on the national stage.

Through the selection process, the jury assessed 35 participants from 22 provinces and established ten top finalists.