Kuala Belait - Donned in colourful traditional costumes, the Indonesian community in the country gathered at the main hall of the Panaga Club in Seria over the weekend for Indonesian Day 2012.

The event, hosted by the Indonesian section of Panaga Club, with support from the Indonesian Community Association (Permai) in Brunei Darussalam and the Embassy of Indonesia in Brunei Darussalam was held at the main hall of the Panaga Club.

According to Jayadi Sitorus, the Chairman of Indonesian Section-Panaga Club, and Mohd Hanafi-Rustam, the Secretary of Permai, in an interview with the Bulletin, it was the fourth year that they have organised such an event and the theme for this year was a showcase of traditions from West Sumatra and West Java with the objective of conveying gratitude to the Bruneian community and at the same time, introduce Indonesian culture and tourism.

The guest of honour was the Ambassador of Indonesia to Brunei, Handriyo Kusumo Priyo and spouse, Nani Handriyo. Also present was the Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) Ibu Nurul Qomar.

Upon launching of the event, the entourage from the Indonesian Embassy were welcomed with 'Tani Pesambahan a Minangkabau' tradition to express mutual respect between two parties with an exchange of poetic speech and the ambassador as well as his spouse offered betel leaves and areca nuts carried by two ladies donned in traditional Minangkabau costumes to officially initiate the event.

In his address, the ambassador stated that such an event can be a medium for the Indonesian community in Brunei especially in the Belait District, to foster closer ties and a venue to showcase creativity, as well as talent in arts and tradition to the local community and also to other foreign communities.

He further hoped that apart from promoting Indonesia in the eyes of Bruneians, the event could evoke their interest in visiting and learning more about Indonesia.

The embassy entourage then joined young Indonesians in serenading the guests with 'Lagu Tanah Air'.

Among the cultural performances, was a traditional fashion showcase by children in different ethnic costumes such as 'Minangkabau' and 'Batik', 'Tari Payung', 'Tari Pining', 'Tari Indang Badindin', 'Tari Zapin' and 'Tari Jaipong' dance performances, martial arts performance of 'Silat' and also Indonesian pop karaoke performances.

Booths offering various kinds of products were also available, such as beauty and spa products and services, Batik cloths, Indonesia Tourism and a food bazaar showcasing an array of traditional Padang delicacies and cakes.