Gita Bahana Nusantara Independence Concert Presents Unity Spirit And Symphony

JAKARTA Fatahillah Museum Park, Kota Tua Jakarta witnessed the beautiful voice of 186 young talents from all over Indonesia who collaborated on Saturday night, August 9. They appeared at the Gita Bahana Nusantara Independence Concert (GBN) with the theme Simphony of Eight Decades', which became a celebration of 80 years of independence of the Republic of Indonesia with harmony that unites diversity.

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon said this concert was not just a musical performance. "Eight decades are full of meaning. Tonight we are enjoying the long journey of independence and the transformation of the nation," he said in a written broadcast, August 10.

The 8 Decade Symphony Theme describes Indonesia's journey from the proclamation to the Vision of Advanced Indonesia. The 'Simphony' symbolizes unity, while eight decades' is a reflection of the nation's history.

GBN consists of selected youths from all provinces, selected through strict auditions in 30 regions as well as orchestral selection in Jakarta and Yogyakarta. Of the 1,167 choir registrants and 294 orchestra registrants, 186 participants were selected who trained intensively for a month.

That night, the audience was treated to four thematic sessions: patriotism, the spirit of the younger generation, the hope of the future, and unity. Songs such as Indonesiarising by Guruh Soekarnoputra, Nusantara 5 created by A. Riyanto, to O Indonesia by Siddik Sitompul played. This last song was submitted in the 1928 national anthem competition, before Indonesia Raya was established. By Siddik Sitompul the lyrics and the title were changed to "O Tana Batak".

A number of special collaborations were also present. Woro Mustiko brought the Melati Series, Prince Poetiray sang Always in Nadimu, and Deputy Minister of Culture Giring Ganesha joined in singing Over the Clouds with GBN.

Fadli gave full appreciation to the participants. "With the voice of gold and musical expertise, they prove that art is a bridge that knits hope and strengthens the nation's identity," he said.

This concert is a warm-up towards GBN's performance at the Merdeka Palace on August 17. For Fadli, music is a medium of unity. "Hopefully this concert will ignite the spirit of patriotism and love for the homeland in all of our hearts," he concluded.