The costume symbolizes the journey of a leader. The rongo flower motif signifies a leader’s efforts to rise to his top position from the bottom, then back to become a commoner.
There are also local plant ornaments which are known to be sweet but can cause itchy skin. This implies that a leader must be alert to danger.
Read: Independence Day festivities in Manggarai
Another thing that caught the attention was a floral motif and calligraphy printed on the skullcap. It reads “maulana” which means a leader must bring prosperity. (un)