Promoting Nationalism To Urbanites? Why Not?

Jakarta - Several Indonesian traditional dancers performed at the luxurious Atrium Plaza Senayan in South Jakarta recently, to remind people living in the city of the richness of Indonesian culture.

It was rather unusual at first to hear the sounds of traditional music when entering one of the city`s most modern and upmarket mall, usually associated to a more modern lifestyle.

The sound came from the main hall of the mall where a 32-square-meter stage with a Betawi-feel decor had been erected. Around 250 students from nine high schools in Greater Jakarta performed traditional dances from several places across the nation.

Students of YMIK 2 high school performed the Gondang Batak, a traditional show from North Sumatra.

Other acts included the Rampak Gendang from West Java, the Yospan dance (Papua), the Pakarena Simombala dance (South Sulawesi), the Gambang Kromong (Betawi), the Rampai dance (Aceh), the Zapin Lenggang Kipas dance (Lampung), and the Sa`ayun Piring (West Sumatra).

Lisma, who was visiting the mall that day, was more than impressed when she saw the Gondang Batak. “I`m a native North Sumatra, but I didn`t even realize that my local culture is this beautiful,” she said.

The Art Performance Appreciation Forum in collaboration with the Ford Foundation put together the annual eight-hour show.

Santi, the forum spokeswoman, told The Jakarta Post the committee had chosen to host the show in a mall to attract a wider range of people.

“They said that today, the youth, particularly in urban areas, are not interested in Indonesia`s traditional culture. We want to check whether it`s true or not. It turns out that our show was packed out,” she said.

Santi might be right, as all of the 120 seats were occupied during the show.

However, most of audience consisted of participants wearing the forum`s T-shirt while taking a break, and their families.

Santi added she was apprehensive about Indonesia`s urban youth not appreciating their traditional culture and heritage.

“It`s our responsibility to take care of the richness of our own culture. This country is big because of its wide variety of traditions and culture,” she said.

The host of the show, actress Shanaz Hague, sought some feedback from the performers about cultural issues.

“What would think if your friends said traditional dances were out-of-date and not cool?” she asked.

One of the student answered, “If my friend says so, then he or she doesn`t deserve to live in this country.” (bbs)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com
Photo: http://matanews.com

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