Young Diaspora Generation Captivates Canadians in Ottawa
The cohesion of Indonesian diaspora children and teenagers in performing the Saman Dance became the highlight of the 81st anniversary celebrations of Indonesian independence in Ottawa, Canada. Before more than 500 spectators, the young generation of Indonesians demonstrated that the archipelago’s cultural heritage remains alive even when passed down across continents.
The approximately 12-minute performance served as the closing act of the Merdeka Stage & Bazaar organised by the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) Ottawa in the embassy’s car park on Sunday (30/8). The rapid movements, hand and chest clapping, and formation changes requiring high levels of coordination drew prolonged applause from the audience.
Interestingly, the Saman Dance performers were children and teenagers of the Indonesian diaspora who grew up in Ottawa. Their performance illustrated the process of transmitting Indonesian culture to the second generation of the diaspora while maintaining their Indonesian identity within Canadian society.
The Saman Dance, originating from the Gayo highlands of Aceh, was designated by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2011.
Indonesian Ambassador to Canada Muhsin Syihab said the diversity of arts presented on the Merdeka Stage was an important part of preserving Indonesia’s cultural heritage.
“Various performances today, some of which have been recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage, are what we need to preserve together,” Muhsin said in his remarks.
In addition to the Saman Dance, the stage featured a number of Nusantara arts such as Balinese gamelan, angklung, and kolintang, which have also been inscribed on UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list.
There was also an interesting phenomenon in the Balinese gamelan performance. The Semara Winangun group that performed at the event was predominantly composed of Canadian citizens. They have consistently introduced Indonesian culture, particularly Balinese culture, to Canadian society.
The group’s efforts have even received appreciation from Indonesia. In 2025, Semara Winangun received a cultural award from KBRI Ottawa as well as the Indonesian Cultural Award from the Indonesian Minister of Culture.
The various cultural performances were part of an event that lasted more than three hours and was attended by Indonesian communities and diaspora from Ottawa, Montreal, and surrounding areas, including Canadian citizens.
Muhsin said the independence celebration was not merely a moment to remember the nation’s struggle, but also to enliven the spirit of unity and optimism.
“We want to embody the spirit of unity, resilience, continuing to move forward, and optimism. This is the Indonesian way, because we have Bhinneka Tunggal Ika,” he asserted.
Before the event began, Muhsin also invited all attendees to stand for a moment to pray for Indonesians in East Nusa Tenggara who were facing a disaster. Prayers were also offered for an elder of the Indonesian community in Canada who had passed away the previous day.
Throughout the event, the stage was filled with various artistic performances. Besides Balinese gamelan and the Saman Dance, there were also performances of Tari Topeng Keras, kolintang, Tari Anging Mammiri, angklung, Tari Zapin, Tari Pendet, and Tari Giring-Giring.
Audiences were also treated to performances by a keroncong band from Montreal and the HRPMKLM KBRI Ottawa band. The atmosphere became even livelier when the audience was invited to participate in the interactive dance “Kicau Mania”.
Indonesian diaspora children from kindergarten to primary school age also performed the song “Satu Nusa Satu Bangsa”. Quizzes for children and adults were also held between performances. Meanwhile, the announcement of chess and table tennis competition winners concluded the series of competitions that had been running since early August.
Diplomacy from the Dining Table
The Merdeka Stage was also complemented by a Nusantara culinary bazaar managed by the Indonesian diaspora. A variety of typical Indonesian food and drinks became one of the main attractions for visitors, including Canadian citizens.
For KBRI Ottawa, cuisine is a simple way to introduce Indonesia to the local community. From the dining table, Canadians can become acquainted with the diversity of Indonesian flavours as well as culture.
Muhsin expressed hope that visitors would take home a positive experience of Indonesia and ultimately be encouraged to visit the country directly.
The Merdeka Stage & Bazaar concluded the series of events marking the 81st anniversary of Indonesian independence at KBRI Ottawa. The series of activities began on 8 August 2026 with a Fun Walk & Games with the Indonesian community, followed by various competitions and quizzes, as well as the Proclamation Seconds Commemoration Ceremony on 17 August attended by around 200 participants.
This year’s independence celebration also took place ahead of an important milestone in Indonesia-Canada relations. In 2027, the two countries will commemorate 75 years of diplomatic relations.
KBRI Ottawa considers cultural diplomacy and people-to-people relations to be one of the important foundations for strengthening the Indonesia-Canada partnership, including in the economic and political fields.
Amid this momentum, the performances by Indonesian diaspora children and Canadian citizens playing Balinese gamelan demonstrated that the relationship between the two countries is not only built through formal diplomacy. It also grows through art, culture, food, and the young generation who serve as a bridge between Indonesia and Canadian society.