VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Indonesia Culture and Arts Festival (ICAF) 2024 has been held at Titus Forum, Nordwestzentrum, Frankfurt, Germany, from Friday (9/8) to Sunday (11/8). The festival aimed at promoting Indonesia's rich arts and culture to the international public. The Indonesia Culture and Arts Festival 2024 was organized as part of Indonesia's 79th Independence Day celebrations, as well as to commemorate 72 years of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Germany.

As reported by the official statement of the Indonesian Consulate General in Frankfurt, ICAF 2024 was officially opened by the Indonesian Consul General in Frankfurt, Antonius Yudi Triantoro. In his opening remarks, Antonius has pointed out  that the Indonesia Culture and Arts Festival features  various  cultural experiences and culinary adventures with the theme "Evoking the Beauty of Diversity". Antonius appreciated the performers who were specially brought in from Indonesia, as well as Indonesian arts and culture activists living in Germany and surrounding countries.

Moreover, at the opening ceremony of ICAF 2024, a series of traditional dance performances reflecting Indonesia's cultural heritage were presented. These included the Balinese Theater Dance "Anoman Duta" by the Wijaya Kesuma art group, the Tapanuli Tor Tor Dance by the Iramanda dance group, and the Enggang Dance from the Dayak tribe on the island of Kalimantan by Pesona Indonesia and Friends.

Meanwhile, the Sasando Band performance led by Father Vincent Adi Gunawan combined Indonesian and international songs with Sasando, ukulele and drum instruments. To conclude the ceremony, Reog Ponorogo presented a performance, complete with Singo Barong and Dadak Merak masks that reached 2 meters in height. Reog's presence in Frankfurt also supports Reog Ponorogo's nomination as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. The opening of the Indonesia Culture and Arts Festival 2024 was also attended by consular representatives from various countries. After the opening ceremony, guests and invitees were invited to enjoy various exhibitions and bazaars featuring a variety of Indonesian handicrafts and culinary specialties. The Indonesian Consulate General in Frankfurt hopes that through the Indonesia Culture and Arts Festival, Indonesian culture will be increasingly recognized on the international stage, so that it can continue to encourage collaboration and strengthen friendly relations and cooperation between Indonesia and Germany.