'Indonesia by the Harbour' Festival Enchants Sydney, Australia

INDUSTRY.co.id - Sydney, Australia - The "Indonesia by the Harbour" festival enlivened Circular Quay, at the centre of Sydney on Saturday (25/11). The festival, which was organized by the Indonesian Consulate General in Sydney in collaboration with various partners, attracted the attention of more than 4000 visitors consisting of Australian citizens and Indonesian diaspora.

The opening of the festival was marked by the traditional Australian ceremony "Welcome to Country" by Elder Gumaroy Newman, performed to welcome visitors to his ancestral land. Elder Gumaroy performs a smoke ceremony by burning specially selected local plants believed to have cleansing and healing properties.  "I hope that this Indonesian festival can become one of the annual agendas in Sydney, and can promote not only Indonesian culture, but also Indonesia's trade, investment and tourism potential and further strengthen Indonesia-Australia friendship relations," said Indonesian Consul General in Sydney, Vedi Kurnia Buana.

In a warm atmosphere, the festival featured Indonesia's cultural diversity, from traditional dances, musical performances, to silat demonstration and fashion shows. In addition, the presence of Indonesian artists such as Acha Septriasa, Melody Septania, and Acha Sinaga during the Batik Chic fashion show became its main focus, and added to the festival's charm.

This festival also pampered the taste buds of visitors with typical Indonesian culinary offerings such as wrapped rice, cendol, batagor, and mie kocok. Modern and traditional art performances from various Indonesian communities, including Randai Dance, Tapuak Galembong Dance, Piring Dance, and Merak Dance, which successfully created a strong traditional nuance of the archipelago.

The festival also introduced an unconventional shipping container stand that not only promoted Indonesian tourism and trade but also provided information about visa convenience and Golden Visa policies.

The visitors, including the Indonesian diaspora, gave high appreciation to this festival. Emma Manurung, one of the visitors, expressed her pride, while Suliyanti Sunaryo, an Indonesian food and beverage importer in Australia, appreciated the Indonesian Consulate General's efforts in promoting culture and cuisine in Sydney.

The Indonesia by the Harbour Festival is not merely a cultural event, but also a platform to strengthen the relationship between Australians and the Indonesian diaspora in Sydney. With the success of this year, it is hoped that this festival will become a routine event that is looked forward to every year.