Jakarta – The 2024 Paris Paralympics are just around the corner, scheduled to begin on August 28, 2024. Indonesian Paralympians have been working hard in preparation for the games, and one key element being fine-tuned is the design of the costumes for the Indonesian contingent. While Didit Hediprasetyo was responsible for designing the costumes for the 2024 Paris Olympics, this time, the task has been entrusted to Didiet Maulana and his brand, IKAT Indonesia by Didiet Maulana. The costumes are deeply rooted in the spirit of “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” (Unity in Diversity), a concept that serves as the strong foundation for these designs.
In collaboration with Mills, the Ministry of Youth and Sports (Kemenpora), and the National Paralympic Committee of Indonesia (NPC), Didiet Maulana has created a collection that includes jackets, jerseys, and track pants. The design not only focuses on aesthetics but also aims to embody the values of unity and diversity that are fundamental to the Indonesian nation. Didiet Maulana explained, “Sandya Niskala is a concept inspired by Indonesia as an archipelago with diverse cultures and strong, unshakable values of unity, beautifully encapsulated in Bhinneka Tunggal Ika.”
The “Sandya Niskala” design series incorporates elements of traditional ikat weaving, showcasing the richness and diversity of Indonesian culture. The design also features geometric patterns reminiscent of dynamic ocean waves, inspired by Indonesia’s identity as an archipelagic nation. These motifs symbolize the athletes’ struggle and optimism in competition, while also drawing inspiration from the Garuda Pancasila, the national emblem of Indonesia.
The colors used in the costume design carry deep meaning, with red symbolizing courage, white symbolizing purity, gold symbolizing grandeur and glory, and touches of gray symbolizing responsibility. Didiet Maulana hopes that through these colors, the collection will bring an energetic vibe, a sense of renewal, and good hopes for the Indonesian athletes competing in the Paralympics.
To celebrate the launch of the collection, Didiet Maulana and his team held an exclusive photo session with Indonesian Paralympians who will be competing in the 2024 Paris Paralympics. The photo session, themed “Embrace and Celebrating Our Athlete,” aimed to honor the dedication and spirit of the athletes representing Indonesia on the international stage. Didiet hopes that the “Sandya Niskala” collection will not only symbolize unity and diversity but also inspire and empower the athletes as they compete.
The costumes designed by Didit Hediprasetyo for the Indonesian contingent at the 2024 Paris Olympics drew inspiration from the national song “Berkibarlah Benderaku” (Fly My Flag). The jerseys featured the red and white colors of the Indonesian flag, along with the Garuda Pancasila emblem, reflecting national pride and the spirit of nationalism. Both Didiet Maulana and Didit Hediprasetyo have made significant contributions to designing costumes that are not only functional but also carry messages of pride and unity for Indonesia on the international stage.
