VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

VOINews, Jakarta - As one of the efforts to increase the number of foreign tourist visits to Indonesia, the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra in collaboration with the Dharma Wanita Persatuan (DWP) organized a cultural promotion activity with the theme "Betawi: The Melting Pot of Culture" at the Indonesian Ambassador House in Canberra, Australia, on Thursday, June 15, 2023. This event is part of the regular activities of the Indonesian Circle (IC), which is a forum within the Women's International Club (WIC) Canberra organization that aims to further introduce Indonesia's rich and diverse culture through cultural diplomacy, gastro diplomacy, and fashion diplomacy.

The event, which was held to commemorate Jakarta's 496th birthday on June 22, was attended by members of international women's organizations as well as the wives of ambassadors and diplomats from various countries in Canberra. In the event, Lina Mauludina Rosalind managed to attract the attention of invited guests who attended through her interesting explanation of Betawi history and culture.

Dr. Marsia Gustiananda Pramono, DWP Chairperson of the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra, who is also the IC Leader, stated "Through Indonesian Circle activities, DWP of the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra introduces the distinctiveness of each province in Indonesia. The Betawi theme was chosen because of its unique blend of cultures and is not widely known to Australians," said Marsia.

In addition to the presentation of Betawi history and culture, the introduction of Betawi culture was also carried out through a kebaya and batik fashion show typical of Betawi, the performance of the song Kicir - Kicir and Keroncong Kemayoran collaboration between the WIC ukulele group and DWP, which was closed festively with the Ondel-Ondel dance performance which invited the invited guests to dance together.

After the performance, participants were invited to sample Betawi specialties. "After the dance and song performances, of course, it is not complete without the introduction of Betawi culinary specialties such as Kerak Telor, Soto Betawi, Ketoprak, Nasi Uduk, Kue Dongkal and Kue Pancong," said Marsia, who was greeted with enthusiasm by all the guests present.

WIC President, Dr. Maya Kayali expressed her high appreciation for the event. "I always find new things from Indonesia's diverse traditions, thank you for inviting us and providing complete and clear information about Betawi culture to IC-WIC members," Maya said. (VOI)