Indonesian Consulate General in Karachi held an Indonesian Cultural Performance to welcome the Indonesian navy's ship, Sultan Iskandar Muda (SIM)-367, to participate in the multinational naval Exercise AMAN-11, held in the waters of the Arabian Sea in March 2011.
Indonesian Ambassador to Pakistan, Ishak Latuconsina, accompanied by Indonesian Consul General in Karachi, Rossalis R Adenan, and the Indonesian Navy's Ship Commanding Officer, Navy Commander Agus Hariadi in his speech gave warm welcome to the commanding officer and crews of Indonesian navy's ship, Sultan Iskandar Muda (SIM)-367 to Pakistan, and expressed gratitude and appreciation. Indonesian Ambassador further stated that the participation of the Indonesia in the will not only strengthen the bilateral relations between Indonesia and Pakistan, but also to promote Indonesia's positive image to the people and government of Pakistan and to the international community.
More than 250 people, consists of the Sindh provincial government officials, the Consul Generals and the Honorary Consul Generals in Karachi, including the Consul Generals of the United States, Russia, Malaysia, Thailand, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Iran, France, Switzerland, Turkey, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, the businessmen (members of Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry/KCCI), and the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce & Industries/FPCCI), the friends of Indonesia, academicians and members of Civil Society in Karachi, as well as journalists from local media, attended the event. On that occasion, various Indonesian performances presented by the crews of Indonesian navy's ship, Sultan lskandar Muda (SIM)-367, Indonesian children and Indonesian Woman Association/DWP of the Indonesian Consulate General in Karachi.
The cultural performance started with the Puspawresti dance from Bali by Indonesian children to greet the guests, followed by Badindin dance and Reog Ponorogo dance by the Indonesian navy's ship crews, Tanjung Katung dance and Sajojo dances by Indonesian children and angklung music's (Indonesian song and Pakistani song) by Indonesian Women Association/DWP of the Indonesian Consulate General in Karachi.
During the event, the guests were also entertained with Indonesian folk music, songs and a film about Indonesia's economic development and Indonesian Chairmanship in Asean in 2011.
Various Indonesian foods, such as Satay, fried rice, fried noodles and many kinds of traditional snacks have been served and appreciated by the guests, including the United States Consul General in Karachi, who had been assigned twice in Indonesia. Appreciation also came from the Pakistani officials and businessmen who had visited Indonesia. The Pakistanis were very enthusiastic and repeatedly expressed their interest to know more about Indonesia. At the end of the programme, Indonesian Ambassador, Indonesian Consul General, commanding officer and crews of Indonesian navy's ship as well as some invitees danced Poco-poco together.-PR