By Rana Azeem | Riyadh | TN Media News
The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Riyadh hosted a captivating cultural event titled “The Magic of Angklung” at the Cultural Palace in the Diplomatic Quarter, drawing an audience of over 600 guests from across the globe.
Headlined by the acclaimed Muhibah Angklung Team from Bandung, Indonesia, the concert celebrated the 79th Independence Day of Indonesia by showcasing the traditional Angklung, a bamboo musical instrument recognized by UNESCO in 2010 as an intangible cultural heritage.
Guests from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Pakistan, Yemen, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Portugal, Australia, New Zealand, and many other countries were treated to an evening filled with harmony, emotion, and unity. The ensemble’s rendition of “C’est La Vie” by Khaled created a heartfelt moment, as the audience swayed along, symbolizing global solidarity, friendship, and peace.
Cultural Diplomacy Through Music
Deputy Ambassador Sugiri Suparwan praised the performance in his opening remarks, saying:
“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.”
He added that the concert strengthened Indonesia–Saudi Arabia relations, and exemplified how music and art can serve as powerful tools of diplomacy and cultural exchange.
Warm Reception from the Saudi Public
Attendees were deeply moved by the performance. Abdul Aziz, a Saudi national, remarked:
“I was truly mesmerized and thrilled by the enchanting angklung performance. I will travel to Indonesia to see more of this beautiful country.”
Another guest, Noura, expressed admiration for the team’s precision and emotion, stating:
“Their performance was incredibly beautiful and emotional. Although angklung may be a difficult instrument to play, they performed harmoniously and perfectly.”
Promoting Culture and Cuisine
Following the concert, guests enjoyed a taste of Indonesia through traditional culinary offerings such as cendol, onde-onde, and pastel, further enhancing the immersive cultural experience.
The Muhibah Angklung Team’s stop in Riyadh is part of a larger international tour, with previous performances across Europe and the UAE. Their next destination is Jeddah, continuing their mission to spread messages of peace, unity, and care through music.
Team Leader Maulana M. Syuhada concluded:
“We are very proud to be part of the Independence Day celebration in Riyadh and to contribute to introducing angklung to the world.”
The event successfully showcased the richness of Indonesia’s Nusantara heritage and reinforced the unifying power of cultural diplomacy.
📍 Source: TN Media News
