Balawan Shows Indonesia's Diversity When Appearing On The 9th Stage Of The Seoul International Harmonica Festival

JAKARTA - The performance of the Balawan guitarist in Seoul, South Korea, on Saturday (5/8) is considered to show the public there that Indonesia is a diverse country.

"Music is a universal medium, penetrates ethnic groups, races and reflects Indonesia's diversity," said Minister Counseled the Creative Economy and Digital Economy, Accelerating Start Ups and Public Diplomacy at the Republican Embassy in Seoul, South Korea, Joannes E. Tandjung, to Antara, quoted Monday.

The famous Indonesian guitarist, I Wayan Balawan appeared at the 9th Seoul International Harmonica Festival, which took place at Gwanghamun Square, Seoul.

On the stage located in front of the city's famous tengara, the statue of King Sejong, Balawan appeared with Muhammad Reyhan Naufal (harmonics), Indro Hardjodikoro (bass) and Dharrian Emilio (drums).

Balawan appeared at around 18.00 on the stage located near Gyeongbokgung Palace.

There are at least two songs performed by Balawan and his friends that show the beauty and diversity of Indonesia, namely Andong and Janger.

"We present Janger's song to remind the people of South Korea about Indonesia's diversity through the beauty of the island of Bali. Hopefully, our performance will make the people of South Korea and foreigners interested in traveling to Indonesia," said Balawan, in a press release from the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul.

Balawan's performance in Seoul this year is so special, said Joannes, in addition to the first during the endemic period, this year Indonesia and Korea commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations. The increase in collaboration between Indonesian creative economy players and South Korean partners is one of the focuses of cooperation between the two countries.

Music diplomacy is one of the potential sub-sectors of Indonesia's creative economy. The Indonesian Embassy in Seoul formed Creative and Digital Economic Functions, Accelerating Start Ups and Public Diplomacy in early 2022 at the beginning of the term of duty of Ambassador Gandi Sulistiyanto.