The 2024 Paris Paralympics, scheduled to begin on August 28, 2024, will highlight the dedication and hard work of Indonesian Paralympians. As preparations continue, one important aspect being finalized is the design of the costumes for the Indonesian team. While Didit Hediprasetyo created the costumes for the 2024 Paris Olympics, this time, the task has been given to Didiet Maulana and his brand, IKAT Indonesia by Didiet Maulana. The costumes are inspired by the concept of “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” (Unity in Diversity), which serves as the foundation for these designs. Collaborating 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 focus of the design is not only on aesthetics but also on embodying the values of unity and diversity that are characteristic of Indonesia.
In a press release on Monday, August 26, 2024, 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 costume design series “Sandya Niskala” incorporates elements of traditional ikat weaving, representing the richness and diversity of Indonesian culture. The design also features geometric patterns resembling dynamic ocean waves, inspired by Indonesia’s identity as an archipelagic nation. These motifs symbolize “the struggle and optimism of the athletes in competition” according to Didiet.
The Garuda Pancasila, the national emblem of Indonesia, also serves as inspiration for the design. The feather motif in the design reflects the philosophy of strength, unity, and solidarity of the Indonesian nation. The colors chosen for the costumes carry deep meaning – red symbolizes courage, white symbolizes purity, gold symbolizes grandeur and glory, and touches of gray symbolize responsibility. Through these colors, IKAT Indonesia by Didiet Maulana aims to bring energy, renewal, and good wishes for the Indonesian athletes.
To celebrate the launch of the collection, Didiet Maulana and his team conducted a photo session with Indonesian Paralympians participating in the 2024 Paris Paralympics. The athletes included Ni Nengah Widiasih, Leani Ratri Oktilla, Suryo Nugroho, M. Fadly Immamudin, Jendi Pangabean, and Teodora Audi Ayudia Ferelly. The photo session, themed “Embrace and Celebrate Our Athletes,” aimed to honor the spirit and dedication of these athletes representing Indonesia on the global stage. Didiet hopes that the “Sandya Niskala” collection will inspire and empower the athletes, embodying unity and sportsmanship.
The costumes for the Indonesian team at the 2024 Paris Olympics were previously designed by Didit Hediprasetyo, known as the son of the president-elect for the 2024-2029 period, Prabowo Subianto. These costumes drew inspiration from the national song “Berkibarlah Benderaku” (Fly My Flag), featuring the red and white colors of the Indonesian flag with the Garuda Pancasila emblem, reflecting national pride and unity. Both Didit Maulana and Didit Hediprasetyo have contributed significantly to designing costumes that are not only functional but also carry meaningful messages of pride and unity for Indonesia on the international stage.
