Riyadh,( Rana Azeem)– The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Riyadh successfully held “The Magic of Angklung” concert, captivating hundreds of audience members at the Cultural Palace, Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh,
Featuring the Muhibah Angklung Team from Bandung, Indonesia, the event marked a historic performance in front of over 600 spectators from various countries, including Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Egypt, Syria, Pakistan, India, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Portugal, and many others.
Angklung is an Indonesian traditional musical instrument made of bamboo, recognized by UNESCO in 2010 as a world’s intangible cultural heritage. In celebration of Indonesia’s 79th Independence Day, the Muhibah Angklung Team delivered a mesmerizing and emotional performance. By playing iconic songs such as “C’est La Vie” by Khaled, they succeeded in warming the atmosphere, earning awe and standing ovations from the audience.
As “C’est La Vie” resonated through the angklung instruments, waving hands from the audience created a heartfelt ambiance. The song was chosen as a symbol of unity, togetherness, care, friendship, and peace amidst the cultural diversity present at the concert.
Deputy Ambassador of Indonesia in Riyadh, Sugiri Suparwan, expressed his deep appreciation for the outstanding performance of the Muhibah Angklung Team. “We bring the best piece of Indonesia to Riyadh. There is so much more to experience and enjoy in Indonesia, and we hope to welcome you there soon,” Sugiri said in his opening remarks. “The presence of Muhibah Angklung in Riyadh not only introduces Indonesian culture to the Saudi Arabian public but also strengthens international relations through music and art.”
The event also served as a platform for promoting Indonesian culture and tourism. After the angklung performance, the audience was treated to a variety of traditional Indonesian culinary delights, such as cendol, onde-onde, pastel, and others. This culinary promotion received a warm response from guests eager to taste the authentic flavors of Indonesia. Abdul Aziz, a Saudi resident who learned about the event through the Embassy’s social media, expressed his amazement. “I was truly mesmerized and thrilled by the enchanting angklung performance. I will travel to Indonesia to see more of this beautiful country,” he said.
Noura, another Saudi audience member, also praised the Muhibah Angklung Team’s performance. “Their performance was incredibly beautiful and emotional. Although angklung may be a difficult instrument to play, they performed harmoniously and perfectly,” she remarked.
The Muhibah Angklung Team’s performance in Riyadh is part of their cultural tour across various countries. Prior to Riyadh, the team had performed in European countries and the United Arab Emirates. After Riyadh, they will continue their tour to Jeddah. They consistently promote angklung on the international stage, spreading messages of peace, togetherness, and care through music.
“We are very proud to be part of the Independence Day celebration in Riyadh and to contribute to introducing angklung to the world. We hope to continue inspiring and elevating Indonesia’s name,” said Muhibah Angklung Team Leader, Maulana M. Syuhada.
The Muhibah Angklung concert in Riyadh not only marks a historic moment for Indonesia but also highlights the richness of Nusantara culture on the global stage. With a spirit of unity and friendship, the Muhibah Angklung Team continues to present angklung as a symbol of peace and unity.
