Faces of Indonesia?

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