The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Pakistan on Saturday arranged a cultural extravaganza to celebrate the assumption of the office by the new President of the Republic of Indonesia after a peaceful democratic electoral process this year.
The event brought lively and colourful enactment of Javanese wedding ceremonies, an elegant and inspirational fashion show, and some enchanting performances of the Indonesian mystical musical instrument of Gamelan and the dynamic and intensely expressive traditional Indonesian dances that highlighted rich and diverse cultures of Indonesia. The musical group presented a mix of Indonesian and Pakistani cultures that was organised by the Indonesian Embassy in Islamabad in collaboration with Indonesian Consulate General in Karachi, PTV-Home, Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design and International Grammar School & College Islamabad.
Ambassador of Indonesia to Pakistan Burhan Muhammad said that the event was organised to celebrate the assumption of the office by the new President of the Republic of Indonesia. The Ambassador elaborated that the new President of Indonesia Joko Widodo had been inaugurated on October 20, 2014 and comes from the grass roots and not from elite or political dynastic family.
The Ambassador said that the new Indonesian President was one of 240 million ordinary Indonesians, the people that consisted of more than 200 ethnic groups of a country with more than 17 thousands islands. The President's victory reflects the unique implementation and celebration of pluralism and unity in diversity, the values that connects all the diverse Indonesian people.
The culture of Indonesia has been shaped by long interactions between original indigenous customs and multiple foreign influences. The event was certainly an opportunity to witness and have a glance at the Indonesian cultural heritage passed on through generations that offers; a wealth of traditions, arts and crafts.
Indonesia is home to various styles of music but Gamelan is the music of Indonesia. For most Indonesians, gamelan is an integral part of their culture. It was for this reason that the show started off with medley performances of the ancient and mystical music of Gamelan that received big round of applause by the audience.
A truly rich depiction of Javanese wedding ceremony was the special attraction of the evening. The audience welcomed with cheerful applause the model Bride and Groom along with their "friends and family members" in traditional outfits as they appeared on the beautifully decorated stage.
Meticulously created hand woven exquisite batik silk by a renowned Indonesian batik artist and fashion designer Rosso and the traditional fabric of Ajrak from the Sindh region came to be the main fabric of the collection blending the traditions with contemporary and elegant look for both men and women.
The other cultural performance included the Sajojo dance, Javanese dance and number of singing performances that really entertained the audiences. The event was a unique event of sharing the Indonesian traditions, culture, costumes, colours, society and values with the wider spectrum of the Pakistani society. People thoroughly enjoyed the colourful program and appreciated the effort of the Embassy to promote friendship and co-operation through healthy and meaningful activities for mutual learning and benefits.
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