Faces of Indonesia?

"Faces of Indonesia," touring several big cities in the U.S. and Europe recently, has undoubtedly done quite a lot for Indonesia's cultural promotion. In a few hours, large numbers of people in those cities had the rare opportunity to watch the rich and colorful spectacles of Indonesian culture. One wonders, with valid reason, whether this kind of cultural diplomacy is no more efficient and effective than the works of our embassies in this field?

The successful cultural presentation was made possible only by the active and dedicated participation of all members of the troupe, led by the energetic and no-nonsensical Mrs Hardiyanti Rukmana. In the post cold war era, cultural diplomacy could increasingly play an important role in building mutual understanding among nations. Well done and bravo.

There is, however, one small thing which makes make feel rather "uncomfortable." We can understand the words on the banner "Faces of Indonesia" quite properly. It would tell the audience that Indonesia has a rich variety of different customs and traditions, songs and dances. However, the plural "faces" could unintentionally have a double meaning (double entendre). Having two or more "faces" could have the unwanted connotation of "double facedness." Would words like "Glimpses of Indonesian culture," for instance, not convey the idea better? Or simply "Glimpses of Indonesia?"

SOEGIO SOSROSOEMARTO

Jakarta