Pakistan-Indonesia celebrate 65 years of ties

RECORDER REPORT

ISLAMABAD: The Embassy of Indonesia on Saturday organised a show of traditional Indonesian Music to celebrate 65 years of bilateral relations with Pakistan.

The show was organised in collaboration with Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA).

Artists from both the countries demonstrated a fascinating display of musical show at the National Art Gallery Islamabad, highlighting the socio-cultural bonds between Indonesia and Pakistan.
Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia Ishak Latuconsina said that as an ambassador, he had always strove to foster cultural ties between the two countries. Highlighting various aspects of Indonesian culture, including traditional ceremonies, dances, dresses, cuisines, language, handicraft and a wealth of cultural heritage, he said that it was the pride of his country, which "attracts visitors and tourists from all around the world".

The Indonesian envoys said that ties between the two countries had strengthened in recent years via cooperation in various fields, including economic and trade collaboration, education, tourism and cultural exchanges.

The musical show featured performance of an Indonesian troupe from the Tanah Karo district of North Sumatra Province, home to centuries-old enchanting customs and traditions deeply intertwined with religious beliefs and rituals.

One of special characteristics of the Tanah Karo's culture is the 'Perkolong-kolong'. The "Perkolong-kolong" are the specialized musicians and dancers considered essential part of thanksgiving ceremonies, social gatherings and other festivities.

This group of Perkotong-kolong was established about 11 years ago. The group has five members and they are Arnis Ginting, the music arranger and keyboardist, Dengki Sembiring the Saruni and Balobat flute player, Endy Sitepu was on the 'Gendang Indong' a set of mini drums played with small sticks producing beautiful knocking sounds. Agustina Sembiring and Mulianta Karo-Karo formed the male singer and dancer duet.

An interesting fact about the Saruni the focal musical instrument that featured the show was its age as it was made about 113 years ago in 1899 by the grand father of Dengki Sembiring who masterly played mystical tunes to enthrall the audience.

For 28 generations Dengki Sembiring's family has remained associated with the profession of making and playing Sarunis and their love and passion for it is still as young as ever. Besides, the Saruni and the Gendang Indong and other traditional instruments indispensable for the melodic brilliance of Karo music is the Gong with echoing bang or gong sound that were all set to entertain the ears of the audience.

The performance started with the instrumental performance of 'Piso Surit' and the presentation of the Uwisgara (long headscarf) by the dancers with a gesture of presentation symbolising warm welcome and deep respect to expresses strong desire to strengthen relations and friendship.

The instrumental Piso Surit played sounds of the birds tweeting at the time of sunrise and sunset. The presentation of the Uwisgara was followed by another interesting ritual of casting rice by the dancers. Pakistani artists performed thrilling Dhammal and dance evolution medley of Taxila Odyssey and a song in Indonesian by a Pakistan artist that charged the air with excitement.