Indra Lesmana Remembers Indonesia-Australia Relations Through Jazz Music

Indra Lesmana during the recording for the Sydney Reunion (YouTube Indra Lesmana)

JAKARTA - Indra Lesmana (keyboards) along with three Australian jazz musicians, namely Steve Hunter (bass), Daleur (saxophone), and Andy Gander (drums), have just released an album titled "Sydney Reunion".

For Indra, this music project can be seen as a celebration of 75 years of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Australia.

The 58-year-old musician also told how jazz music has long been one of the elements of diplomacy between Indonesia and Australia.

"I happen to have seen that Indonesia and Australia's relationship has been fostered for a long time, both in terms of music, literature, or other arts," said Indra Lesmana during a virtual interview with VOI some time ago.

Especially for music, said Indra, the Australian Embassy in Jakarta often holds activities that connect musicians in Indonesia and Australia.

"I've seen since I was a child, how the Australian Embassy in Jakarta has carried out activities or activities that connect musicians from Australia to be able to appear in Indonesia," said Indra.

"Incidentally, the person who has always been asked to be the Indonesian jazz ambassador, to receive guests from Australia is my father, the late Jack Lesmana," he continued.

From there, Indra saw the close relationship between musicians of the two countries. He even had the opportunity to get to know many jazz musicians from the Kangaroo Country.

"Until finally I saw that Indonesia and Australia have an extraordinary history, diplomatic relations in the arts, especially music," said Indra.

"That's why I really underline that this work (Sydney Reunion) also commemorates 75 years of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Australia. Because this relationship has also been running for quite a long time," he said.