TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK
The Indonesian Tourism Ministry in cooperation with the Indonesian Embassy in Doha and various tourism agencies held a Cultural Performance of Wonderful Indonesia Festival at the Mall of Qatar recently.
Indonesian dancers entertained audiences with their exquisite performances, traditional dances, and soothing music of angklung, a musical instrument from Indonesia made of a number of bamboo tubes. The event unfolded Indonesian cultural and traditional diversity before the guests. The festival also featured activities such as art and cultural performances, a music concert, and workshop.
'Wonderful Indonesia,' was arranged by the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism to celebrate the recent visit of the Emir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani to Indonesia.
The audience seemed to enjoy the ambiance highlighting the culture, natural beauty, and tourism destinations in Indonesia.
In his welcome speech, Indonesian Ambassador Air Marshal (Retd) HE Muhammad Basri Sidehabi said,"It is a great pleasure to welcome you here for the Wonderful Indonesia Festival."
"We are hoping to spread awareness about the country and its many attractions such shopping, nature, mountain exploration, cultural, culinary experiences, beaches and water adventure, to city sightseeing in the Middle East," said Ministry of Tourism Market Development Director (European, Middle East, Africa and American Countries) Nia Niscaya.
The festival also promoted the concept of halal tourism in Indonesia."Indonesia is a world champion in halal tourism in 2015, Wonderful Indonesia won three world titles at The World Halal Tourism Award in Abu Dhabi. The following year, the number increased to 12 titles. Lombok, Aceh and West Sumatra are strong in family friendly tourism," said Nour Aridi, a travel representative.
According to Boy Dharmawan, the tourism ministry is taking many measures to promote Indonesian tourism through such cultural activities."This is the perfect way of promoting Indonesia and tourism in a country that has some of the most popular tourist destinations in the world," he added.
The event also hosted games and a movie screening.