After the 19th century, Dutch women who came to Indonesia during the Dutch colonial era liked wearing the kebaya with a sarong which helped to make the dress sophisticated. After Indonesia became independent, the kebaya was made the formal dress for the women of Indonesia.

The style differs from region to region. In Bali, which is dominated by Hindus, it is worn with a shawl tied around the waist. This is said to mean that you are facing a god. As the material, until now a thin and see-through polyester cloth with embroidery, has been generally used, but recently cotton cloth has also become popular.

As the kebaya is tailored to fit each individual by taking very detailed measurement, it accentuates the women's body, as women in Bali compete with each other in beauty by wearing the kebaya.

What is Sembahyang
Sembahyang means to pray in Indonesian. Balinese women visit a temple to pray wearing a formal dress and carrying an offering. When they pray, they have canang and incense sticks ready. By putting their hands together, reciting a mantra, they face the gods.