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

Greenpeace Indonesia has called on the government of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka to strengthen its response to the climate crisis, warning that extreme weather and ecological disasters are placing additional pressure on household finances and workers’ livelihoods. The environmental organisation staged a peaceful protest at the Selamat Datang Monument in Bundaran […]

Social Padel House Setiabudi, part of the ISMAYA Group lifestyle ecosystem, will host the SPH Superstar Series from October 22 to 24, 2026. The three-day event will feature Premier Padel star Tolito Aguirre and other top international players. The event will open with the All-Star Exhibition, featuring Aguirre alongside APPT world No. 2 Adri Merca, […]

A petrol station worker in Bali has gone viral after breaking down in front of Governor I Wayan Koster while complaining about exhaustion amid fuel shortages and long queues across the island. The incident took place on Wednesday evening, 14 October, when Koster visited a petrol station on Jalan Diponegoro in Denpasar to inspect the […]

Two orangutan carcasses were reportedly found floating in the Kumai River in Central Kalimantan on 10 October, prompting concern over the deaths of the protected animals. Authorities have yet to establish the cause of death, and a possible link to nearby forest fires remains unconfirmed. Two orangutan carcasses were found in the waters of the […]

Indonesia Guide

Just For Fun

Write For Us

Exclusive Promotions

Event Gallery