Moments Indonesian Marines Introduce Banyuwangi Traditional Culture To US Marines

BANYUWANGI - Indonesian Navy Marine Corps soldiers introduced Banyuwangi traditional culture to United States Marines which was packaged in a Culture Day activity at Osing Deles, Omah Majapahit, Banyuwangi, East Java.

The Culture Day is a series of joint training activities (Latma) between the Indonesian Navy Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion soldiers and the United States Marines Corps (USMC) Reconnaissance Unit with the code Reconex 21-II, which will last until June 17.

Expert Staff (Sahli) E for Military Cooperation (Kersamil) of the Marine Corps, Marine Colonel Didiet Hendra Wijaya in a press release from Dispen Kormar stated

The entire series of activities still adheres to the health protocol by measuring the participants' body temperatures, using masks and face shields for all performers.

The activity began with the welcoming of personnel at the gate marked by the giving of welcome bouquets of flowers from the dancers to Marine officers of the two countries, namely the Commander of the 2nd Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion of Marines Lt. Col. Mar Supriyono and Captain Nicholas Paparella of the US Marines.

Furthermore, the entire audience was treated to a performance of the Gandrung Banyuwangi dance, which was performed by dancers raised by local cultural observers and historians, Sambiono.

In addition to typical Banyuwangi dance performances, the Marines of both countries were also treated to traditional Banyuwangi specialties, such as black squid, pepes anchovies, mussels, satay, pecel, brewed coffee and others.

The event was held in collaboration with Sidkenu Aries Martanto, owner of Omah Majapahit Taste of Javanese Culture.

Marine Colonel Didiet Hendra Wijaya expressed his appreciation for the arrival of Indonesian and American Marines at Osing Deles Omah Majapahit.

According to him, this activity is important, because in addition to learning combat tactics, US Marines need to also know the indigenous culture of Indonesia, especially the Osing culture of Banyuwangi. This will complement their insight from the taste of the food served to the traditional dance culture that is displayed.

"It all boils down to the motto of the Indonesian people, which is where the earth is stepped on, there the sky is upheld," he said.

Meanwhile, Captain Nicholas Paparella said he was very happy to be introduced to Indonesian culture. This was the first time his troops had the opportunity to enjoy food and traditional dances typical of the area where they practiced, which had never been obtained from other countries besides Indonesia.

The friendliness of the Banyuwangi people in speaking and delicious food made him and his unit very impressed. It is hoped that one day he can return to Banyuwangi as a tourist for a vacation.