The event was officially opened by the Indonesian Ambassador Kristiarto Legowo with the gong knocking, and was also witnessed by a number of high-ranking officials from the City of Canberra, including Tara Chayene as the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Legislative Assembly, and the Australian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This year's Festival was not only visited by those from the Canberra region but also from Sydney and Melbourne, the Embassy's press release said.
A number of ambassadors from friendly countries such as Denmark, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Vietnam, South Korea, Palestine, Lebanon, Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, Zambia, and the wives of the Ambassador of Singapore and Brunei Darussalam, Australian diplomats and foreign diplomats such as the Philippines, China and Thailand, were amongst the attendees at the Festival.
Festival Indonesia at the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra (17/11) Source: KBRI Canberra
The Festival presented five main attractions, namely the Indonesian Culinary Stall, Entertainment Stage, Indonesian Culture Exhibition at the Cultural Hall, Exhibition of Indonesian Products and 10 New Bali Tourism Promotions at Balai Kartini, as well as Kids Corner and Photo Booth. A number of excellent textile and handicraft products such as batik, bead bags and tapis cloth were also exhibited.
Various Indonesian regional cuisines offered at this Festival were the main attraction for the Australian public. Chicken and Goat Satay, Padang Satay, Rendang, Nasi Padang, Gudeg Yogyakarta, Mie Aceh, Nasi Timbel, Bakso, and so on are just a few examples of a series of well-known Indonesian dishes that were loved by many visitors.
For Australians, 'Festival Indonesia' is one of the most anticipated event in Canberra, which is known as one of the cities in Australia that strongly encourages and respects multicultural life.
Angklung performance at the Festival Indonesia in Canberra (17/11) Source: KBRI Canberra
Kieran Cunningham, 35, who is from the Murumbatesman area, admitted that he has never missed the Festival at the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra. "I always wait for this event because I can buy chicken satay and rendang," he said.
Festival Indonesia is an annual Indonesian arts, culture and culinary promotion program organised by the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra in collaboration with the entire Indonesian community in Canberra and surrounding areas. This event was first held in 2008, which mark this year's event as its 11ᵗʰ.
