The Indonesian community in Taiwan held an annual traditional cultural fair in Taipei on Sunday, allowing Indonesians to celebrate and showcase their rich cultural heritage.
The “Indonesia Tempo Doeloe II,” which was held at National Taiwan Museum’s Nanmen Branch, saw members of Taiwan’s Indonesian community celebrate their heritage with cultural performances, food, games, and a fashion show.
Ethnic cultures from all over Indonesia were showcased at the event through performances and clothing, while food, clothes, and products from various regions of the vast archipelagic nation such as Bali and Surabaya were on sale at stalls.
Bagus Anggi Satriyo Mandiri, 29, a Taoyuan factory worker who is also the president of Himmas, the main organizer of the event, told CNA their main aim is to allow Indonesians in Taiwan to continue to embrace their rich culture.
Himmas is a student organization within Universitas Terbuka Taiwan, the Taiwan branch of Indonesia Open University.
“We need to keep promoting our culture when we are in Taiwan,” Bagus said.
It was important for Indonesians to not forget their culture when they are in another country, Bagus added.
There are a total of 245,365 Indonesian migrant workers in Taiwan as of the end of September, according to Ministry of Labor statistics.
As both a factory worker and a management student, Bagus said education is very important for one’s self-improvement.
“Education is important because it gives us an analytical mind and it helps to give us a better life,” said Bagus, who hopes to graduate with his undergraduate degree next year.
Fajar Nuradi, director of the Indonesian Citizens Protection and Social Cultural Department at the Indonesian Economic and Trade Office in Taipei, was also on site to support the promotion of his country’s culture.
“We have to keep in mind that we are Indonesian, we have to be proud of Indonesia wherever we are,” Fajar said.
One of the highlights of the event was a performance of the Barong, a mythical lion-like creature from Bali, which was followed by a fashion show featuring 29 people modeling traditional clothing from various parts of Indonesia.
Huang Sing-da (???), chief of National Taiwan Museum’s education department, said the museum was honored to provide its premises for the event as it signified the inclusiveness of cultural collaboration.
“A museum is a place without boundaries, everything can be found here, and anything can happen here,” Huang said. “Wherever you are, where you are from, the museum is open for everyone.”
This year’s fair is the second edition of the Indonesia Tempo Doeloe, with the first having been held in September last year at the same venue.
Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel