When Hundreds Of Artists Appear At The Sabang Merauke Hero Of The Archipelago

Isyana Sarasvati appeared on the stage of the Sabang Merauke 'Pahlawan Nusantara' at JIExpo Theater, Jakarta, Sunday (20/8) (photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - More than 300 traditional and national artists have appeared to enliven the Sabang Merauke music and dance at JIExpo Theater, Jakarta, Sunday.

Coinciding with the momentum of the celebration of the 78th Indonesian Independence Day, the colossal and magnificent performance which was held on August 19-20 is expected to commemorate the services of the heroes as well as foster the love of the younger generation for Indonesian culture, and revive the soul of nationalism.

"This performance feels more special and brings us to get to know more about the services of the previous heroes, who are expected to be an inspiration for us as the next generation to continue their struggle as heroes for ourselves," said Director of Sabang Merauke Performance Pahlawan Nusantara Rusmedie Agus, quoted from Antara, Monday.

The repertoire of the show was opened with the song Kuthidieng which echoed beautifully performed complete in harmony from orchestral music. In addition to the 31 national and regional songs presented, there was also a dialogue from a grandfather played by Butet Kataredjasa and his grandson played by a young musician, Zie, who told a plot of the history of the song and the character of the hero that was displayed.

The dialogue presents a different perspective on the spirit of nationality and the story behind the hero from Aceh to Papua with the background of tradition, ethnicity, and culture in each region, Rusmedie explained.

The Sabang Merauke 'Pahlawan Nusantara' performance was also enlivened by top Indonesian singers, including Isyana Sarasvati, Cantika Abigail, Swain Mahisa, Alsant Nababan, Taufan Purbo, Mirabeth Sonia, Christine Tambunan, Nino Prabowo, Yuyun Arfah, Gabriel Harvianto, and special appearances fromventriloquist Kak Tony.

A number of well-known musicians also participated, such as Dian HP, Avip Priatna, Dunung Basuki, Ammir Gita, and Meidy Ratnasari who collaborated to present an arrangement of 31 regional and national songs. The splendor of music will be presented beautifully with orchestral harmony and choir from Jakarta Concert Orchestra and Batavia Madrigal Singers.

It did not stop there, the event which was initiated by iberanya and BCA also introduced Indonesia's wastra wealth to fashion performances from several well-known Indonesian designers, including Ivan Gunawan, Era Soekamto, Danny Satriadi, Denny Wirawan, Ghea Panggabean, Taufik Bachtiar, a number of members of the Indonesian Fashion Designers Association (IPMI), and many more.