Indonesian Consul General Pendekar Muda Says Culture is a Bridge for Trade and Investment Between Indonesia and Australia

Muhibah Angklung Performance at the Pesta Rasa in Queensland, Australia. (Source: Indonesian Consulate General in Sydney)

JAKARTA - Culture plays a vital role in the relationship between Indonesia and Australia, said Indonesian Consul General in Sydney, Pendekar Muda Leonard Sondakh, while attending the "Pesta Rasa" (Feast of Taste) event held by the Indonesian-Australian Students Association (PPIA) Queensland to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Indonesian Independence.

Held at King George Square, Pesta Rasa began with a flag-raising ceremony and a variety of traditional Indonesian performances aimed to introduce and share Indonesian culture with the Queensland community, strengthening ties between Indonesian communities.

The Muhibah Angklung performance, featuring Indonesian and international songs with a traditional Indonesian touch, opened the event.

Indonesian communities in Brisbane also performed, showcasing a variety of arts and cultural offerings, ranging from traditional dance and music to creative expressions.

The event culminated in an energetic stage performance by the popular music group Project Pop, who entertained the audience with their hits, full of energy and nostalgia.

The Indonesian Consul General in Sydney, Pendekar Muda, stated that culture is a bridge for trade and investment between Indonesia and Australia.

"Culture is an important connector in the relationship between the two countries, especially in these two aspects," explained the Indonesian Consul General Pendekar Muda in a statement from the Indonesian Consulate General in Sydney, Sunday, August 24.

The event also received praise from the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Adrian Schrinner. He expressed his pride that the Indonesian independence celebration was taking place in the heart of Brisbane, right in front of City Hall.

Completing the Pesta Rasa, more than 20 food booths were present, offering a variety of Indonesian culinary specialties. Batagor (Indonesian fried rice), sweet martabak (sweet martabak), and nasi ayam geprek (spiced chicken rice with sambal matah) were favorites of visitors to this "Pesta Rasa" event.