The Preservation Of Angklung Becomes An Indonesian Cultural Bridge In Australia

The Art and Culture Community from Bandung Team Muhibah Angklung (TMA) introduced angklung in a series of cultural tours in Australia. (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Cultural preservation is not only carried out domestically, but also through artistic diplomacy abroad. One of the traditional instruments that continues to be inflamed is the angklung, a world heritage from Indonesia that UNESCO recognizes.

On various occasions, angklung is often staged to strengthen identity as well as introduce the value of harmony to the global community. On this mission, the Art and Culture Community from Bandung, the Angklung Muhibah Team (TMA), again introduced angklung through a series of cultural tours in Australia.

This performance proves that angklung is a universal language that anyone can understand. "More than just music, angklung is also a tool for cultural diplomacy that connects nations through harmony," said Maulana Muhammad Syuhada, Founder and Trustee of the Angklung Muhibah Team, as quoted by ANTARA.

TMA appeared at the Sydney Taronga Zoo, one of the city's main tourist icons, which has an Indonesian-themed area called Tiger Trek. This angklung show gives a cultural color in the midst of a natural conservation atmosphere.

Director of Taronga Zoo Nick Boyle appreciated the appearance and expressed his pride in collaborating with Indonesia, while hoping that relations between the two countries can be closer.

In the concert, TMA performed various regional songs such as Lalayaran (Sunda), Jali-Jali (Betawi), Yamko Rambe Yamko (Papua), to Badindin (West Sumatra). The atmosphere was even more lively when they played international repertoars, ranging from Pompeii (Bastille), Roma Mia (ABBA), to closing with Libiamo ne rieti calici (La Traviata).

Previously, TMA also made history by holding the first flashmob angklung at the Australian Museum, Sydney, the oldest museum and one of the largest in Australia with more than 21 million collections.

This flashmob then continues to be a mini concert, featuring regional songs such as Lalayaran, Janger, and Badindin, as well as international songs. The show was also enriched with traditional dance collaborations that added to the nuances of togetherness.

CEO of the Australian Museum Kim McKay hopes that cultural exchanges like this can strengthen relations between Indonesia and Australia.

Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Sydney, Young Warrior Leonard Sondakh, emphasized the importance of this appearance as a reflection of diplomatic commitment.

"This show is not just an artistic performance, it is a reflection of our standard commitment to care for economistry, honor, and honors between these two countries," he said.

The presence of the Angklung Muhibah Team in Sydney is part of a cultural mission in Australia which will take place on 19 August 8 September 2025. This agenda includes concerts, workshops, to participation in various international activities in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra.

Previously, TMA also appeared at the Brisbane People's Party, the largest annual festival of the Indonesian community in Queensland, which this year was attended by more than 2,000 spectators.