16 november 2010 06:55

Cultural Festival Showcases Indonesian Heritage

Dubai, UAE - The Indonesian Cultural Festival showcasing the southeast Asian country’s rich heritage enthralled the audience here on Thursday.

"Indonesia is the home of one of the largest Muslim population in the world with many things to offer, Indonesia contains over 700 languages, 300 ethnicities and a population of 240 million. The festival is just a little introduction of the rich and diversified culture of Indonesia," said Mansyur Pangeran, Consul General of Indonesia in Dubai.

The festival at the Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation showcased traditional Indonesian food and textile, and had on display one of the oldest ‘batik’, traditional attire of Indonesian women. The ‘batik’ in display was estimated to be around 70 years old and worth $10,000 (Dh36,700). The ‘batik’ is usually passed down through the generations during the occasion of marriage and is an important family treasure.

"The Indonesian ‘batik’ has been recognised by the Unesco as an Indonesian cultural heritage," said an Indonesian member of the consulate. "It can take over three months to hand-make one batik. Its intricate designs differ from one region of Indonesia to another."

The cultural festival also featured a fashion show which included modern interpretations of the traditional ‘batik’, and traditional dances such as ‘Kembar Dance’ (welcome dance) and Sangkuriang Kabeurangan, a traditional play which speaks of an old Sundanese legend of a man who fell in love with his own mother.

Source: http://gulfnews.com

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