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

If you own or manage a foreign-owned company (PT PMA) in Indonesia, now is the time to check your compliance calendar. The deadline for submitting the latest Investment Activity Report (Laporan Kegiatan Penanaman Modal or LKPM) is 15 July 2026, and missing it could lead to administrative sanctions that may affect your business operations. LKPM […]

Australian tourists planning a trip to Bali are being advised to remain vigilant following reports of pickpocketing and snatch thefts in several of the island’s busiest tourist destinations. The warning comes from Samantha, an Australian tour guide and content creator who regularly shares travel information about Bali. In a video uploaded earlier this month, which […]

A humanoid robot named Jokoprabuwesi has gone viral after CCTV footage appeared to show it experiencing a system malfunction during a trial at an office in Jakarta, Indonesia. Videos circulating on social media show the robot making a series of unexpected movements, including high kicks and martial arts-style actions, prompting people nearby to move away […]

Indonesia has officially begun implementing a new mechanism for collecting Article 22 Income Tax (PPh Pasal 22) on online marketplace and e-commerce transactions, marking another milestone in the country’s ongoing digital tax reform. Effective 1 July 2026, selected e-commerce platforms are now authorised to collect income tax directly from eligible domestic merchants selling through their […]

Indonesia Guide

Just For Fun

Write For Us

Exclusive Promotions

Event Gallery