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Tribune News Network
Doha
Colourful and bright tropical hues of primary colours radiated through the traditional Indonesian costumes of dancers at 'Indonesia Night' at Shangri La Hotel on Sunday.
The event was not only to showcase Indonesia's rich cultural diversity through traditional dance performances but it also holds a business meeting between Indonesian businessmen and Qatari business community to follow up the successful visit of the Emir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani to Indonesia on October 17 and 18, 2017.
The performance was organised by the Indonesian embassy to promote the traditional culture and to project Indonesia as a tourist destination. The event also showcased an array of cultural activities organised by the Indonesian Community in Qatar (Permiqa) led by Edwin Kurniawan. The celebration performed a colourful cultural show and food festival with combination of the most delicious select dishes from tropical Indonesia, traditional dances and soothing music of bamboo Angklung music.
Indonesian Ambassador to Qatar HE Muhammad Basri Sidehabi welcomed the guests who included ambassadors and diplomats, dignitaries, Qatari businessmen, travel agents, foreign expatriates and Indonesian community leaders.
In his speech, the envoy highlighted the potential to enhance bilateral relations between Qatar and Indonesia and develop areas of cooperation, particularly in economy, energy, investment, tourism and infrastructure.
An highlight of the night was the Tiga Dara (Three Maidens) dance, a lively traditional dance of Indonesia, which shows a stunning energetic performance.
The event also served Indonesian cuisine, which is one of the most vibrant and colourful cuisines in the world. The cuisine varies greatly by regions and has many different influences featuring noodles, fried rice, chicken satay, meat balls, spring rolls and other traditional foods. Indonesia's indigenous techniques and ingredients were influenced by India, the Middle East, China and Europe.
According to Minister Counsellor of Indonesian Embassy Boy Dharmawan, all traditional dances were performed by Puspa Kinarya (PQ) led by Mergie.
PQ is an art studio of Indonesian Diaspora in Qatar who often win various festivals of international art and culture in Qatar. The Angklung bamboo music was performed by the Qatar Indonesian Angklunger (QIA). Both play important role in promoting Indonesian Cultural Festival. They are groups comprising the housewives of the Indonesian expatriates mostly working in the oil and gas, telecommunication and banking sector.
