Spell-binding: Indonesian cultural show enthralls audience

Event aimed to promote cultural collaboration between the two countries.

An Indonesian cultural troupe put up a spellbinding song and dance performance at the National Art Gallery on Sunday.

The troupe enthralled the audience with mesmerising performances at a show entitled “Colours of Indonesia and Pakistan”, organised by the Indonesian Embassy and the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA).

The event aimed to promote and enhance collaboration between the two countries in fostering cultural linkages, said a press release.

The event brought an opportunity to the citizens of the twin cities to learn more about the art and culture of the South-East Asian country.

The cultural troupe from Indonesia comprised batik artists, fashion designers, musicians and dancers.

PNCA Director General Mashood Ahmad Mirza, who was the chief guest, said that Pakistan highly values its ties with Indonesia as they were rooted in history.



While welcoming the cultural troupe from Indonesia, he said that the government of Pakistan encourages such exchange programmes to further foster cultural linkages.

Indonesian Ambassador Burhan Muhammad said the objective of the event was to further cement cultural ties between the two countries.

The troupe dancers, attired in distinctive and vibrantly coloured costumes, presented expressive dance performances. They started off with the song “Astaghfirullah”- a Sufi music that was dedicated to those affected by the recent earthquake in Pakistan. Sajojo Dance and Gambang Suling songs followed that reflected the “unity in diversity” motto of Indonesia.

Prahu Layar was a unique fusion experiment of Indonesian traditional musical instruments of Angkalung and Gamelan with sitar and tabla that gave a deep sense of harmony and fraternity between the two countries.

The show also featured displays of the textile traditions in Indonesia and Pakistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 14^th, 2013.