Threads of Identity: Learning Humanity through Traditional Costumes

By: Meila Rosianika

Culture is the heart of a nation, and traditional costumes are among its most vivid expressions. A costume is never just an outfit, it is a language of heritage. Clothing carries stories of identity, memory, and values passed down through generations. During my teaching experience at Wansan Girls’ High School, I had the privilege of introducing Indonesian traditional costumes as part of my cultural project. Among them were the tekuluk and the Durian Pecah crown from Jambi as symbols of grace, wisdom, and dignity that reflect the essence of Jambi womanhood.

The tekuluk, a traditional head covering worn by Jambi women, is more than a mere accessory. Originating from the Malay Jambi Sultanate between the 15th and 17th centuries, it was once worn by royal women as a sign of honor and refinement. Over time, it became part of everyday life, representing modesty and cultural identity. The way it is folded carries meaning: married women let the end fall to the right, while unmarried women fold it to the left. Today, tekuluk designs come in various batik patterns infused with local philosophy, showing how traditional wisdom continues to evolve without losing its authenticity.

I also introduced the Durian Pecah crown, a headdress shaped like an open durian fruit whose pointed spikes symbolize the unity of strength and beauty. Traditionally made of brass or gold-plated metal, it is worn by brides or dancers during important ceremonies such as Tari Sekapur Sirih. The design carries deep symbolism: the outer spikes represent resilience, while the soft inner fruit reflects tenderness. Together, they mirror the character of Jambi women who firm in principle yet gentle at heart.

My students in Jeonju were eager to try on these costumes. They smiled, complimented one another, and asked thoughtful questions about Indonesia’s cultural diversity. Through this joyful interaction, I witnessed more than curiosity. It was deep learning in action. They were not merely learning about culture, but learning through it. Their understanding transcended fabric and color, reaching into empathy, identity, and connection.

Later, I experienced a beautiful reciprocity when I wore the Korean hanbok while exploring Seohakdong Art Village in Jeonju. The village, filled with art galleries and traditional houses, seemed to whisper stories of Korean heritage. As I walked through its autumn streets dressed in hanbok, I felt a quiet harmony when two traditions meeting through mutual respect. The moment reminded me that cultural exchange is not about comparison but appreciation; not about showing differences but discovering similarities.

Through this simple act of wearing each other’s traditional costumes, I found the essence of Global Citizenship Education (GCED) to see ourselves as part of a shared humanity. Education, at its deepest level, is not about accumulating facts but about awakening understanding. It is through such encounters that deep learning happens—when knowledge connects with emotion, and empathy turns into action.

 

As Ban Ki-moon once said,

“Education is about more than literacy and numeracy. It is about learning to live together.”

 

That statement resonates deeply with my experience in Jeonju. Learning to live together begins with learning to understand one another through culture, dialogue, and shared experiences. When students and teachers open themselves to such exchanges, the classroom extends beyond its walls; it becomes a global space of empathy and respect.

The threads of these traditional costumes are more than woven cloth. For me, they are threads of humanity, binding us across oceans and generations. Through them, I learned that every fold, color, and symbol carries not only the identity of a place but also the universal message that we all belong to the same human fabric.

 

bonus photos:

my first daughter is wearing a tekuluk

When I was still single in 2012, I served as a Language Ambassador and was assigned to host guests from Korea who visited Indonesia. How wonderful that now, years later, I am the one visiting their country!

In the same year, 2012, I was awarded as the Language Ambassador of Jambi Province and represented my region at the national level. In that event, I wore a tekuluk with the end draped on the left side as a symbol that I was unmarried at that time.

full team of IKTE 2025 after cultural performance in Ramadha Hotel Seoul