JP/20/image

JP/20/image

Recreating culture:
A spectrum of spectacles

Throughout the year, Indonesia's diversity -- whether seen in
its ethnic cultures or in its cultural forms -- has found the
spotlight on a variety of stages. At the same time, the country's
audiences have been treated to performers and groups from abroad,
resulting in a true spirit of cultural exchange.

From the Java Jazz festival to the Jakarta International Film
Festival, from the Utan Kayu to the Ubud literary festivals, from
exhibitions of local artists abroad and to the CP Biennale, and
to all the budding productions and exhibits across the
archipelago, Indonesia's arts scene has brimmed over to make a
mark, nationally and internationally, mostly through private and
individual means.

Here, we take a look at some of the performances that have
graced the year -- and through them, at the country's potential
in the year ahead for defining -- and recognizing -- its own
unique cultural scene as a fusion of the traditional and the
contemporary, the indigenous and the foreign.

-- The Jakarta Post

Photo A:
JP/R. Bertho Wedhatama

WHOLE LOTTA HEART: Godfather of Soul James Brown heats up Jakarta
during the Java Jazz Festival at the Jakarta Convention Center
from March 4 to 6. A portion of proceeds from ticket sales were
donated to tsunami victims in Aceh.

Photo C:
JP/P.J. Leo

SPIRITUAL GRACE: Dancers of South Korea's Didim Dance Company
stage a traditional dance during the 4th Schouwburg Festival 2005
at the Jakarta Arts Institute (GKJ). The festival, from Sept. 8
through Sept. 29, aimed to commemorate the 18th anniversary of
the institute.

Photo D:
JP/P.J. Leo

MIME A LA INDONESIA: Contemporary pantomime group Sena Didi Mime
was among the dozens of local and foreign performance groups
featured during the 4th Schouwburg Festival 2005, and presented a
Western art form with a distinctly Indonesian interpretation.

Photo E:
JP/P.J. Leo

TRIBAL WEALTH: Papua tribesman perform a traditional dance during
the Kamoro festival. Also called Kamoro Kakuru, the festival,
which was held from Sept. 29 though Oct. 2 this year, preserves
the cultural heritage of the Kamoro in showing visitors the
richness of their culture.

Photo F:
JP/P.J. Leo

ASIAN FUSION: An Okinawan performing group beat shime-daiko
(small drums) in accompaniment to China's cheng beng dance in
Eisai Medley at Taman Ismail Marzuki, Central Jakarta. The
eclectic performance from Japan was part of the Art Suku II
Kencan Budaya Nusantara festival, held from Nov. 17 through Nov.
19.

Photo G:
JP/P.J. Leo

CHAIN OF CONTINUITY: Dancers of Riau's Talang Mamak tribe stage a
traditional dance during the Art Suku II Kencan Budaya Nusantara
festival, a tribute to preserving the nation's cultural heritage.