(MENAFN- The Peninsula) joelyn baluyut |
The Peninsula
Doha, Qatar: The Qatar-Indonesia Year of Culture initiative has emerged as a catalyst propelling relations between the two countries to new heights, according to Ali Murtado, First Secretary at the Indonesian Embassy and the Person-In-Charge of the Qatar-Indonesia Year of Culture.
“Year of Culture is a catalyst for Qatar-Indonesia bilateral relations. For a year, this programme has opened the door in both countries to deeply understand each other's perspectives and to know every single detail about the beautiful and rich cultures of Qatar and Indonesia,” Murtado told The Peninsula.
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Designated as the partner country for this year's edition of the Year of Culture initiative by Qatar Museums, Indonesia holds the distinction of being the first Southeast Asian nation to participate in this cultural exchange endeavour.
The Year of Culture has effectively opened a gateway for both nations to delve into each other's perspectives, enabling them to intricately explore and appreciate the diverse and resplendent cultural heritage of Qatar and Indonesia. Murtado emphasised that the joint responsibility of both personal and governmental entities lies in nurturing and preserving these newly-formed bonds, ensuring their continuity well into the future.
Commencing in March, the Qatar-Indonesia Year of Culture 2023 was inaugurated with the enchanting performances of the Saman dance and the melodious tones of Sasando, a traditional musical instrument hailing from the Indonesian island of Rote in East Nusa Tenggara. A plethora of engaging activities have been organised throughout the duration of the event, reflecting the profound cultural exchange taking place.
These initiatives include the immersive Qatari Food Journey culminating in the Ubud Food Festival in Bali, the Abaya project in Indonesia, reciprocal Qatar-Indonesia photographer exchanges accompanied by exhibitions in both nations, as well as volunteer undertakings involving Qatari students providing instruction in Indonesia.
Additionally, the translation of Qatari children's literature into Bahasa Indonesia and vice versa has bridged literary landscapes.
In a notable event in May, the musical performance titled“Hayati: Panji Searching for the Essence of Love” made its international debut in Qatar. Through this musical narrative, the timeless tales of Panji and Sekartaji, esteemed Indonesian epics acknowledged as intangible cultural heritage by Unesco and inducted into the Memory of the World Program in 2017, resounded with themes of love and life.
Murtado further expounded that beyond showcasing and honouring the cultural traditions of both countries, the Year of Culture has actively contributed to the deepening of their relationship. This newfound synergy has acted as a conduit for establishing stronger, enduring connections, substantiating the lasting impact of cultural exchange in international diplomacy, he said.
The Year of Culture was launched in 2012 and is a rich and varied exchange programme, seeing Qatar partner with a different nation each calendar year to work together to enjoy, enhance and educate one another on each country's creative, cultural and artistic offerings.