Celebrating The Cultures Of Asia, Africa

Jakarta - In 1955, officials representing 29 Asian and African nations came together in Bandung to strengthen economic and cultural cooperation, united by their opposition to colonialism. That meeting was the first Asian-African Conference, organized by Indonesia, Burma, Sri Lanka, India and Pakistan.

In the lead-up to the conference`s 55th anniversary in 2010, the nonprofit organization Nurani Budaya held an Asian-African Cultural Festival last Tuesday in South Jakarta. Focusing on the cultural aspects of both regions, the festival, which featured traditional fabrics, handicrafts, performances and music from 15 Asian and African countries, was attended by foreign diplomats and local representatives from fashion and handicraft communities, as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“The important event organized by the international steering committee of the Asian-African Conference of 1955 acknowledged the important role of culture in promoting peace and stability,” said Rani Anggraeni Dewi, a committee member of Nurani Budaya. “This inspired us to create this cultural event, with the theme `Empowering Diversity in Global Society`.”

In the audience was the Burmese ambassador`s wife, Daw Khin Mar Nwe, who went to promote her country`s customs. The Burmese Embassy participated in the festival`s clothing display and fashion show, exhibiting formal wear for wedding ceremonies as well as casual wear. “[Burma] is quite isolated,” Nwe said. “Indonesians know about it but other countries represented here may not.”

The Indian ambassador`s wife, Rukmani Nanda, resplendent in her sari, expressed her pleasure in being able to showcase Indian dance and music at the festival.

“We hope to become closer to the Indonesian people through this exposure,” she said. “After all, we share 2,000 years of cultural history with Indonesia. There`s references to Indonesia in the Ramayana. I feel so at home here.”

Although Nigeria is not taking part in the festival`s exhibition, the ambassador of Nigeria, Mdm Jummai Maisule, said: “I`m proud to be part of the Asia-Africa organization. It is important because of the similarities of the cultures and the fact that almost all of us are developing nations.”

Arlinda Frota, from the Portuguese Embassy, agreed: “With globalization, we need to be together and make a family. This mix of continents and countries is important.”

Traditional clothes and fabrics from Asian and African countries, including Burma, Zimbabwe and Morocco, were exhibited in a small display and bazaar, while dancers performing traditional routines from Indonesia, India, Egypt and Japan entertained the audience.

A talk show to discuss traditional textiles was also held at the gathering, with panelists Masakatsu Tozu, a Japanese academic from Kokushikan University; Jonathan Zilberg, a cultural anthropologist from Zimbabwe; and Wiendu Nuryanti, director of the Yogyakarta Tourism Development Board.

Nurani Budaya, which translates to cultural conscience, is dedicated to preserving and promoting Indonesia`s cultural heritage, encompassing traditional textiles, food, dance and music. Established in 2007, the organization is a small group of members and volunteers from arts and craft communities.

“We are about research, empowerment and promotion,” said Ika Wahyudi, a committee member.

With its mission to “create peace through culture,” the society works with small-scale businesses and offers training programs for people to improve their income and preserve their culture.

By conducting events such as this one, Nurani Budaya helps to bring cultural products to the public. In the last two years, the organization has held cultural events in Australia, Japan and Malaysia, working to develop and promote cultural partnerships between nations.

“Culture is a universal language which traverses race and religion,” said Andri Hadi, director general for information and public diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “This organization is not comprised of only busy cultural activists, but also diplomats who promote the good name of Indonesia,” Andri said.

MK Singh, director of the Jawarhalal Nehru Indian Cultural Center, summed up the festival as a tool to empower global diversity and culture. “What we do here forges a better understanding between various cultures and traditions. It makes us realize the similarities and work on them together for a better cultural tomorrow.” Titania Veda

Nurani Budaya: Culture for Peace and Welfare
Jl. Gandaria IV, No. 10, Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta
Tel. 021 720 5255
nurani_budaya@yahoo.com

Source: http://thejakartaglobe.com (5 July 2009)

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