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TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK
A colourful cultural show unfolded at the Indonesian diplomatic reception hosted by the Indonesian Embassy in Doha to celebrate the 71st year of the Indonesia's Independence Day, and to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Indonesia-Qatar Diplomatic Relations on November 10 at Shangri La Hotel. Municipality and Environment Minister HE Mohamed bin Abdullah al Rumaihi, State Minister for Foreign Affairs HE Sultan bin Saad al Muraikhi, Director of Protocol HE Ibrahim Yousef Fakhroo, Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al Thani attended the event as guests of honour. Around 250 guests consisting of ambassadors, diplomats, Qatari government officials and members of the Qatari Civil Society also attended the reception.
Indonesian Ambassador to Qatar HE Muhammad Basri Sidehabi said that Indonesia gained independence on August 17, 1945, following hundreds of years of foreign occupation. From that humble beginning, Indonesia has now developed into one of the most robust economies in the world with a relatively steady economic growth of about four to five percent in the last three years. He expressed satisfaction at the ever-expanding bilateral relation between Indonesia and Qatar.
The reception also promoted an array of activities organised by the Indonesian Community in Qatar (Permiqa) led by Edwin Kurniawan. The celebration showcased a colourful cultural show and food festival. The festival promoted delicious dishes from tropical Indonesia, traditional dances, and soothing music of bamboo Angklung.
The guests were welcomed by Gending Sriwijaya dance from the Palembang Province of Indonesia women wearing colourful traditional South East Asian-style costumes, whirling to the rhythm of traditional music, opened the door for the audience, giving a sample the rich culture of the country.
Ambassador Sidehabi said the event was the perfect way of promoting Indonesia and tourism to the country boasting some of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. He added that the Embassy was taking many measures to promote tourism through such cultural activities."We are the largest Muslim country, population-wise, in the world and the 16th most powerful economy. We have become the member of G-20," said the former Indonesian Member of Parliament, and hoping there would be more business cooperation between Indonesia and Qatar.
According to Indonesian Embassy Minister Counselor Boy Dharmawan, all traditional dances and Angklung bamboo music performances were done by the Qatar Indonesian Angklungers (QIA). They play an important role in promoting Indonesian Cultural Festival and have won many awards at various international competitions in Qatar. The group comprises the wives of the Indonesian expatriates mostly working in the oil and gas sector, and regularly practise such cultural performances on the Indonesian Embassy premises.
