Zaragoza - Graceful dancers from West Java `swayed` visitors during their performance at the Balcony of Cultures, Expo Zaragoza. They were here on the invitation of Indonesia Pavilion who was at the same time commemorating Indonesia`s National Day. The 30 minutes sessions were always fully booked and many of them need to sit on the floor as well. Following the performance, curious visitors, young and old asked to make photograph together with the dancers. “This is another victory for Indonesia Pavilion”, said Rudy Lesmana, the manager of the pavilion. “We have expected this and hopefully this will translate into tourist visits to Indonesia”, added he.
Indonesia celebrated its independence day on 17 August within the compound of Expo Zaragoza, thanks to the pertinent effort of the Expo`s Organizing Committee. The Indonesia Delegation headed by Mr. Bambang Goeritno, Vice Minister of the Department of Public Works was similarly expressing its full satisfaction on the excellent treatment of the Spanish and province of Aragon governments. The musical parade of Zaragoza police force played the national anthem `Indonesia Raya`, a relatively difficult musical notation with no mistake.
The West Java dancers played traditional popular items such as Tari Kupukupu or Butterflies dance and Kembang Tanjung or Beautiful Flowers to the tune of lively traditional percussion music called gamelan. The modern choreography, which somewhat detached from classical Sunda dance school, displaying liberal steps, open palmed hand variations, swaying hips and sensuous eyes movement were apparently very well accepted by the Spanish public.
“Too bad they are here only for the day”, said Guido (actual name withheld) a tall and lanky Spanish lad sadly. He should not be too sad actually. In September the Indonesia Pavilion will again have 2 groups peform in Zaragoza consecutively. The first one will be a dance group from Jakarta who will do modern Indonesian choreography and the last one which will perform towards the end of the Expo is from South Sulawesi, both are well known in their own specialities.
The Indonesia Pavilion at the Expo Zaragoza continued to be visited by a large portion of those coming to watch the world expressing its concern on water sustainability. To many countries in the developing world such as Indonesia, the mere abundant supply of water resources may not be of great concern, except that population growth may hamper the use in the near future if no serious efforts are being taken today. The efforts are being displayed in the Indonesia Pavilion, together with the artifacts now belonging to the World Heritage`s according to UNESCO. They will simply be the tools in whose hands Indonesia`s future will depend on.
Source: http://www.live-pr.com/en/ (August 22, 2008)
