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 running event organised by a community in Canggu, North Kuta District, Badung Regency, has come under public scrutiny after allegations of discrimination against Indonesian citizens (WNI) circulated widely on social media. The controversy emerged after screenshots of conversations between prospective participants and the organisers were shared online. The screenshots appeared to show that applications […]

Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism is looking to tap into the growing popularity of K-Pop by developing concert-based travel packages designed to attract more international visitors while encouraging them to explore destinations beyond the concert venue. The initiative comes as Indonesia continues to strengthen its position as an international events destination, with large-scale concerts increasingly recognised […]

A Chinese tourist who went missing while snorkelling in the waters off Kelor Island, Labuan Bajo, was found dead at a depth of 23 metres after a joint search and rescue operation on Wednesday (15 July). The victim was one of two Chinese nationals who died during the incident. The victims were identified as Guo […]

For foreign entrepreneurs, Indonesia remains one of Southeast Asia’s most compelling growth markets. The opportunity is clear. The process, however, is rarely simple. Between shifting regulations, licensing rules, local expectations, and the practical realities of doing business across a vast archipelago, setting up a company in Indonesia can take more planning than many investors expect. […]

Indonesia Guide

Just For Fun

Write For Us

Exclusive Promotions

Event Gallery