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

Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry has temporarily closed hiking activities in nine national parks and conservation areas because of increased risks of forest and land fires during the 2026 dry season. The policy took effect on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, following the issuance of Circular Letter Number SE.4/KSDAE/SKSDAE/KSA.02.02/B/8/2026, dated August 31. The circular concerns the temporary […]

Indonesian horror is set to return to the international spotlight with Satan’s Slaves: Origin, the international title for Pengabdi Setan 3: Origin. The third film in Joko Anwar’s acclaimed horror franchise has officially entered production and is scheduled for a theatrical release in 2027. The film follows Pengabdi Setan (2017) and Pengabdi Setan 2: Communion […]

Jakarta Dessert Week (JDW) returns to the capital from 1–20 September 2026, bringing together pastry chefs, restaurants, emerging dessert makers and creative brands across the city. This year, however, the festival is looking beyond the dessert plate. Its chosen theme: Dangdut, turns one of Indonesia’s most recognisable musical traditions into a broader conversation about culture, […]

A series of fires has been reported in Bali in recent days, including a restaurant fire in Seminyak and a major blaze that affected temporary housing and a scrap storage area near Sunset Road in Denpasar. The incidents have prompted firefighting teams and local authorities to step up operations in affected areas. No fatalities have […]

Expat Events

Indonesia Visas

Expat Event

Social Networking
IDR 200.000
Poolside, Grand Hyatt Jakarta
Social Networking
IDR 150.000
Erre & Urrechu, Gran Melia
Business Networking
IDR 150.000
Parc & 9th, Le Parc Residence

Indonesia Guide

Just For Fun

Write For Us

Exclusive Promotions

Event Gallery