Dangdut Cafe Opens In New York's Time Square, Indonesian Consul General In New York Hopes This Can Promote Dangdut Music In The World

Opening of New York Dangdut Cafe in Times Square, Manhattan, New York (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - After successfully holding a soft launch in the Smorgasburg WTC Financial Center area, New York on September 3, 2021, finally Cafe Dangdut New York was officially established through a grand launching event in Times Square, Manhattan, New York on September 9, 2021. September 14th, the opening ceremony of the New York Dangdut Cafe was held in conjunction with the Indopop Movement event right in front of the red stairs of Times Square. Thousands of visitors attended Times Square to witness the establishment of the New York Dangdut Cafe and Indopop Mvovement while enjoying the performances of Indonesian and local artists. The Indonesian Consul General in New York, Dr. Arifi Saiman, MA expressed his full support for the establishment of the New York Dangdut Cafe. He hopes Cafe Dangdut New York can be the starting point for Cafe Dangdut penetration in the US and promotion of dangdut music in the world. "This event is a historic moment because for the first time Indonesia and dangdut music echoed in Times Square. Indopop Movement and Cafe Dangdut are Our way is to promote Indonesian dangdut music and coffee in the United States and to facilitate Indonesian artists to take part in pursuing careers in the United States music scene through collaboration with well-known local labels," Arifi said in his official broadcast quoted on Tuesday. Arifi also said that the city of New York was chosen as the place where Cafe Dangdut was founded because he was reminded of a saying: "If You Can Make it Here in New York, You Can Make it Anywhere". other cities in the US and other cities in the world. After giving a speech, Arifi handed over a Cafe Dan plaque gdut which marked the official opening of the New York Dangdut Cafe to the Indonesian singer, Fitri Carlina.

The entertainment event of the Grand Launching Dangdut Cafe New York and the Indopop Movement began with two first appearances, namely a Balinese dance and gamelan music performance by the DWP of the Indonesian Consulate General in New York led by Kompol Endang Wahyu Kinasih Arifi, consisting of the DWP of the Indonesian Consulate General in New York and the ladies of banking. The first performance was a dance. the reception that accompanied the two Balinese dancers was like welcoming a guest of honor. The second performance was "Tari Cinta", a modern dance that symbolizes the movement of peace, harmony, dharma, love and faith. After the cultural performance, three Indonesian designers also showed off their teeth by presenting various batik designs exhibited by local models. Hengki Kawilarang, Coreta Louise and Batik Trusmi displayed high-quality batik that captivated the attention of Times Square visitors. In addition, two models demonstrated the traditional Javanese and Balinese brides presented by Ernia Redberry and Indah Aini Griya Bridal. The swordsman Fitri Carlina also appeared on stage singing songs. "Indonesia Pusaka" accompanied by Permias NYC. The song succeeded in moving the hearts of Indonesian citizens and the Indonesian diaspora who were present at the event. After singing the song, New Yorkers were invited to dance through Fitri's performance to sing the song "Maumere" in collaboration with the Sinar Muda Orchestra made by Arifi. The Sinar Muda Orchestra also released two of its flagship songs, "C'est La Vie" and "Kopi Dangdut". Meanwhile, Fitri also sang her hits "ABG Tua" and "Cafe Dangdut" which was warmly welcomed by visitors to Times Square. . At the end of the session, Fitri performed a duet with Sean Koh (Eskoh) with her flagship song "Only Option", a song that was performed virtually at Super Bowl Week in Ladies Heart Football in early February 2021. After Fitri Carlina's performance, Eskoh and fashion Indonesian batik show, the event continued with the appearance of local artists, namely Ghita, Angeliqe Natalia, Lyrivelli, CNM and closed with a song from DJ Calista. The enthusiasm of the audience did not only occur in Time Square but also throughout the United States and Indonesia.