RI cultural troupe heads for Moscow

RI cultural troupe heads for Moscow

JAKARTA (JP): A group of young Indonesian artists will shake
Moscow public with their stunning performance of traditional and
modern music, dances and other cultural shows from Aug. 22 to 25.

Wanda Tumanduk, chairman of the organizing committee, told the
press yesterday that the cultural mission comprising of 54
artists is aimed at introducing Indonesian heritage to the
Russian public, the youngsters in particular.

The artists will leave in two separate groups, first on July
31 and another on Aug. 19, Wanda said.

Called Indonesian Culture in Moscow, the events will include
traditional Javanese and Balinese dances, exhibitions displaying
art pieces from Indonesia's 27 provinces, a fashion show by young
designer Itang Yunaz, screening and discussions and workshops on
Indonesian art and film.

Organized jointly by a marketing communications service
company Gaung Cipta Semesta (GCS) and the Indonesian Embassy to
the Russian Federation, the event is scheduled to coincide with
Indonesia's Independence Day anniversary.

"The occasion will be the first Indonesian cultural activities
to be shown in Russia and Rachmat Witoelar (Indonesian ambassador
to the Russian Federation) and his wife Erna Witoelar fully
support our endeavors," Wanda said.

Erna, former activist and founder of the Indonesian
Environmental Forum (Walhi) and the Indonesian Consumer
Foundation (YLKI), earlier said during a previous meeting with
GCS that she was very proud to see young artists actively promote
their culture abroad.

Cultural bridge

CGS involves starlet Dian Nitami, Ira Wibowo and choreographer
Denny Malik.

She went on to explain that the plan is greeted
enthusiastically by the governments of both countries since the
occasion will serve as a cultural bridge between the two nations.

It could also be used as a forum to enhance not only cultural
but also business ties, she noted.

Erna also said it's high time for Indonesia to establish a
special institution to promote its culture abroad. It should
follow such countries as Britain, Japan, France and Germany
through their British Council, the Japan Foundation, Alliance
Francais and Goethe Institute which actively enhance their
cultures.

Wanda, however, explained that the Indonesian government and
the private sector are sponsoring this project.

A number of companies conducting business in Russia are the
main sponsors for the activity. The event, she said, will cost at
least Rp 500 million ($230,000). Major financial supports also
come from individuals who declined to be named.

The venue, previously set at Moscow's Tchaikovsky Orchestra
Hall, will be moved to Kino Center, Druzhinnikovskaya Ulitsa
which can accommodate a larger audience. (raw)