Indonesian female surfer

Surfing in a Balinese Kebaya? This Indonesian Female Surfer Makes It Happen

Share:

A video circulating on social media shows an Indonesian female surfer wearing a kebaya while surfing. Flora Christin Butarbutar, a surfer from North Sumatra, has drawn attention online after appearing in Bali wearing a kebaya while riding the waves.

She took part in the Pearl Project, led by Chi Geotina, which promotes women in surfing. In photos and videos shared on Instagram, Flora is seen wearing a white Balinese kebaya, a brown waist cloth, and a Batik cloth.

Her long hair is styled in an updo, and this Indonesian female surfer appears with minimal makeup.

Flora is not only known for her surfing skills but also as an inspiration for Indonesian women. Born in North Sumatra, she had always dreamed of living in Bali.

She has achieved significant success in surfing, winning first place in the Women’s Longboard category at the 2023 Khaolak Surf Festival and securing a bronze medal at the 2024 National Sports Festival in Aceh.

Beyond competing, she volunteers as a coach for children in Batu Karas and takes part in ‘The Pearl Project’, which encourages Asian women to pursue their dreams through surfing while respecting their cultural heritage.

One of Flora’s most notable moments was surfing in Bali while wearing a kebaya. This act gained media attention and highlighted her dedication to promoting Indonesian culture.

Flora Christin’s Profile

Flora Christin Butarbutar is Indonesia’s female longboard surfer. Born and raised in North Sumatra, she moved to Bali in 2016.

“I was born in North Sumatra, but living in Bali has been my dream since childhood,” she said in an interview.

Her journey into surfing began after she left a corporate job in Jakarta in 2014. She started surfing at the age of 25 and later turned it into a career.

“I was 25 years old when I started, but now I’m here, making a living from surfing. It’s crazy! I’ve been able to travel around Asia to compete, but after a few years, I finally decided to stop competing and become a free surfer,” she explained.

Find this article helpful? Check out our other articles from Social Expat:

SEO Writer

Imelda is a content writer specializing in viral news and Indonesian culture. Her work revolves around researching and analyzing current events, social media trends, and popular culture.

Related News

A Swiss citizen standing trial over an alleged insult to Nyepi Day has asked the Badung District Court to impose a lighter sentence after prosecutors sought a prison term of one year and three months. Luzian Andrin Zgraggen, 26, submitted his plea before the panel of judges, arguing that he had no intention of insulting […]

The House of Representatives has approved legislation to establish the Indonesia International Financial Centre (Pusat Finansial Indonesia Internasional/PFII), introducing a package of tax incentives aimed at attracting foreign capital, international financial institutions, and global professionals. Among the most notable proposals is a new tax benefit linked to the Indonesia Golden Visa programme. Eligible Golden Visa […]

Garuda Indonesia will introduce a new piece-based baggage allowance system, known as the Piece Concept, for tickets purchased or issued from 1 September 2026. The new policy replaces the current weight-based system and will apply to all flights operated by the national carrier. The airline said the change is intended to simplify baggage regulations and […]

A tailor in Badung, Bali, has publicly apologised after making racist remarks towards a customer during a dispute over an unfinished clothing alteration order. The incident, which was captured on video and widely shared on social media, prompted mediation by local police before both parties agreed to settle the matter. The tailor, Ni Made Tiadnyani, […]

Indonesia Guide

Just For Fun

Write For Us

Exclusive Promotions

Event Gallery