Bandar Seri Begawan - The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia to Brunei Darussalam in collaboration with Brunei`s Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports yesterday held a bridal and cultural showcase from Indonesia at Dewan Digadong, Ministry` of Culture, Youth and Sports building.
Present as the guest of honour for the event was the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Dewa Major General (rtd) Dato Seri PahlawanAwang Haji Mohammad bin Haji Daud. Also present was the Indonesian Ambassador to Brunei, Mr Herijanto Soeprapto.
The event attracted around 500 people comprising diplomats, government officers as well as the Indonesian community residing in Brunei.
Yesterday`s event saw cultural performances from members of the `Himpunan Pakar Tata Rias Pengantin Indonesia` (HARPI) "Melati" under the chairperson of Ibu Endang Sugiarto. HARPI is an organisation of bridal beauty style and cosmetics showcasing the style of BetawiJakarta, East Java and East Kalimantan.
Mr Herijanto Soeprapto, in his address, highlighted the close relations between Brunei and Indonesia, which has steadily developed for over 23 years since 1984.
The growth in the number of Bruneians visiting Indonesia for businesses, government missions and even vacations reflects the strong relations between the two countries and is in line with the Indonesian government policy in developing its tourism sectors, said Mr Herijanto Soeprapto.
"This cultural performance is intended not only to promote the tourism sector but also as a means of communication where youths and artists of the two countries could share and appreciate their traditional customs and culture," he added.
Mr Herijanto Soeprapto thanked the organising committee members for their hard work in making the cultural performances a success.
Source: www.brudirect.com (21 November 2007)
