An Indonesian flavour and vibe ruled on Thursday when the internationally renowned dance group of the Indra Dance Studio from that island nation performed at the Mamelodi Community Centre.
Hundreds of children - the beneficiaries of the colourful event - from schools in the surrounding area cheered on the dancers‘ every move.
Among the guests enjoying the performance was Indonesian ambassador to South Africa Sugeng Rahardjo who said that the objective of the event was twofold.
"Firstly, today‘s performance will allow people from South Africa and Indonesia to learn about each other‘s distinctive cultures.
"Secondly, this learning process will hopefully tie the two countries closer together."
It was the first time the group performed in South Africa.
Rahardjo said Indonesia had historical ties with South Africa, going back more than 300 years when the Cape of Good Hope and the East Indies fell under Dutch colonial occupation.
"This performance held here today is testament to this linkage. Through understanding and appreciating each other‘s cultures, we can build friendships and partnerships within each other‘s cultures.
"To develop this relationship, Indonesia and South Africa are engaged in establishing ways in which either country can benefit from its increasing trade relations as well as learning from the other‘s expertise in key sectors, such as education, human resources development and tourism," he said.
Through events and initiatives like these - Africa and Asia, and more particularly South Africa and Indonesia, are building and creating ties for the benefit of their people, the ambassador said.
Source: www.iol.co.za (25 Agustus 2007)
