Online Reporter
Gift Moyo [email protected]
Indonesia and Zimbabwe celebrated 40 years of diplomatic relations through music when an Indonesian delegation and Zimbabwean Government officials gathered in Bulawayo for a cultural evening showcasing the two countries’ rich musical traditions.
Dubbed the Indonesia-Zimbabwe Musical Night, the event was held at a local hotel on August 21 and brought together the two cultures through traditional music, with the Indonesian angklung and Zimbabwean mbira taking centre stage.
The event was hosted by Indonesian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Arief Hidayat and his wife, Judy Arief, and provided guests with an opportunity to experience Indonesian culture while also sampling Zimbabwean cuisine.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Bulawayo Judith Ncube was the guest of honour, while Bulawayo Deputy Mayor Councillor Edwin Ndlovu was among the high-profile guests.
Representatives from the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ), as well as former Zimbabwean students who studied at the University of Indonesia under a student programme offered by the Indonesian Embassy in Zimbabwe, also attended the event.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Hidayat said the musical showcase symbolised the strong bond between the two countries and demonstrated how music could bring different cultures together.
“Tonight’s programme is very simple, but it has a special meaning. Through this gathering, we would like to share our culture and happiness of Indonesia. We are here tonight, celebrating the 40 years of strong and prosperous diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Zimbabwe,” he said.
Minister Ncube said Bulawayo was honoured to host the celebration, describing the city as a place with a rich cultural identity and a long tradition of welcoming people from across the world.
“We are honoured that this celebration is taking place here tonight in Bulawayo, the city of Kings.
Bulawayo is a city with a proud cultural identity, a rich history, and a long tradition of welcoming people from across the world to experience and partake in its wonderful culture and way of life.
“We are delighted to extend the warmth and hospitality that Bulawayo is famous for to our Indonesian colleagues and friends. We hope that this evening will not only showcase Indonesian culture through the people of Bulawayo, but will also provide our Indonesian counterparts with an opportunity to experience the richness of Zimbabwean culture,” she said.
As a gesture of appreciation, Ambassador Hidayat and his wife presented Minister Ncube with a traditional Indonesian scarf.
The cultural exchange continued with a live band comprising Zimbabwean and Indonesian musicians, who performed a selection of songs drawing from the musical traditions of both countries.
The performances, which featured Indonesian and Zimbabwean instruments, lyrics and vocals, had guests singing along and dancing as the two cultures merged on stage.
The evening ended with guests sampling an assortment of Indonesian and Zimbabwean dishes, providing a fitting conclusion to a celebration centred on cultural exchange and friendship.
