JAKARTA - Cultural similarities in the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand (IMT) region are a strength that can continue to be maintained to strengthen friendship and connectivity.
This was said by the Indonesian Consul in Songkhla Winardi H. Lucky when attending the 11th Melayu Day on February 13-15 at Sanam Chang Phueak Park, Yala, Yala Province, Thailand.
This annual activity held by the Yala City Government in collaboration with the Consulate of the Republic of Indonesia (KRI) Songkhla and the Consulate General of Malaysia in Songkhla is a platform for cultural promotion, as well as affirming the common cultural roots of the Malay people in the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand (IMT) region.
The opening ceremony was officially carried out by the Secretary-General of the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre (SBPAC) of Thailand, Mr. Piyasiri Wattanavarangkul, accompanied by the Indonesian Consul in Songkhla Winardi H. Lucky, and the Malaysian Consul General in Songkhla Ahmad Fahmi Ahmad Sarkawi.
On the same occasion, the former chairman of the Thai parliament, Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, was also present. The presence of stakeholders reflects a common commitment to strengthening cultural diplomacy as a bridge of friendship and collaboration in the region.
The Indonesian Consul in Songkhla, Winardi H. Lucky, said that Malay Day is a strategic space to strengthen the common cultural identity and strengthen people-to-people contact between countries.
"Cultural similarities in the IMT region are a strength that can continue to be maintained through collaboration in the arts, culture, and creative economy, thus strengthening friendship and connectivity of people across borders," he explained, launching the KRI Songkhla (14/2) statement.
At this year's participation, Indonesia presents more than 30 cultural art performances including dances, music and creative performances that show the closeness of Malay traditions in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Southern Thailand.
The Indonesian Pavilion also involves at least 30 Indonesian MSMEs offering typical products such as batik, accessories, snacks, and coffee as part of the promotion of creative economy in the region.
In this activity, two letters of intent (LoI) for cooperation in the trade of herbal and fashion products from Indonesia were signed.
A number of visitors expressed that Indonesian art and products feel close to local culture in Southern Thailand and Malaysia, creating an inclusive and familiar festival atmosphere.
Through this activity, KRI Songkhla encourages the cultural synergy of IMT to be stronger and opens opportunities for sustainable collaboration in the fields of tourism, performing arts and the development of MSMEs.
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