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)