The "Indonesia Month" Exhibition Is Held At The Belgian Library

The Indonesian Embassy in Brussels collaborated with the Kris Lambert Library in Oostende City, Belgium, to host the Indonesia Month (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Embassy in Brussels collaborated with the Kris Lambert Library in Oostende City, Belgium, to host the Indonesia Month during September.

This time, Indonesia's performance carried the theme "De Schat van Indonesë" or "Treasures of Indonesia", which includes exhibitions, book discussions and cultural performances, according to a statement from the Indonesian Embassy in Brussels received in Jakarta, Sunday.

Quoting Antara, the exhibition De Schat van Indonesië features cultural objects that are collections of Belgians.

Each unique object is said to have its own story and illustrates the love of its owners for Indonesia.

One of them is the ikat weaving belonging to Inge de Lauthawer which he obtained from Sumba. Inge itself is the Sumba Foundation which is engaged in strengthening student capacity in tourism.

She bought the ties from Kornelis Ndapakamang, an artist from Sumba, and are still traditionally made, including natural coloring from plants.

The anti-banded balance shows the distinctive motifs of the Pau and Rende kingdoms, which used to be in East Sumba.

In another corner of the library, the Indonesian Embassy also displays several of Indonesia's leading commodities which are favorite imported products in Belgium, such as footwear, clothing, coffee, tea, spices, and others.

This section, according to the information, shows Indonesia as an important economic partner for Belgium and how close Indonesian products are and have been familiarly used by local residents.

The opening of De Schat van Indonesie on Tuesday was held in conjunction with a Discussion of the Revolutionary book by Belgian historian David van Reybrouck which was launched in 2020.

"The revolution" describes the story of the Indonesian people fighting for their independence and how Indonesia's independence has affected the global arena.

David, who was born and raised in Belgium, is said to have spent five years writing the book. He researched Indonesia and the era of colonialism.

The series of activities were also filled with discussions that brought Joss Wibisono, an Indonesian historian who had lived in the Netherlands for a long time, as well as Gie Goris, a Belgian journalist who is also a observer of issues related to Southeast Asia.

The two explored how Indonesia's independence revolution resonated to remote corners of the world. Discussions were enlivened by the presence of members of the book club at Oostende as well as residents from various cities around the city.

Indonesian Ambassador to Belgium Andri Hadi said that during a meeting with David van Reybrouck, David told about his struggle in writing this book.

Ambassador Andri, as quoted in the Indonesian Embassy's statement, acknowledged David's admiration for finding a historical source because the nature of the book written requires David to meet direct eyewitnesses.

Andri also emphasized that one of the features of this book is how David can interpret the meaning of Indonesia's independence, especially regarding the effects of Indonesia's rising independence.

In an effort to enrich Indonesia's promotion, the Indonesian Embassy in Brussels also held a cultural performance at the Oostende Library Plaza last Saturday.

In collaboration with the government of Ponorogo Province, the Indonesian Embassy in Brussels presented Reog Ponorogo, who the Indonesian Embassy said succeeded in attracting the interest of Oostende residents.

Residents who packed the place were amazed by the appearance of Religion, who was first present in Belgium.

Starting with a dance by warok and its teak, the crowd of typical Reig music invites the presence of residents who are getting more and more fun with the atmosphere. Singo Barong's action invites admiration and applause from the audience.

In addition to Reog, the Indonesian Embassy also displays a variety of cultures from the Indonesian Diaspora. Starting from angklung to national dances such as the Merak Dance, Belibis Dance, and Sajojo Dance.