Consulate General In Vancouver Holds Indonesian Cultural Night Event

JAKARTA, April 28 (Antara) - The Indonesian Consulate General (KJRI) in Vancouver, along with the Edmonton Indonesia Canada Association (EICA), organized the Indonesian Cultural Night event at the Beumaris Community League, Edmonton, Canada, on Saturday (Apr 22). The event was held to commemorate Kartini Day and to celebrate Canada's 150th anniversary, which will fall on July 1, 2017, as well as to strengthen the relationship between the people of Indonesia in Edmonton and the surrounding areas, EICA President Zulpatar Martino noted in his opening remarks. The event presented various traditional Indonesian dances, such as Laras Rineka and Gemu Famire Medley, as well as a traditional clothing fashion show. The exhibition was attended by the consul general of the Republic of Indonesia, the mayor of Edmonton, representatives of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Alberta, and the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of Alberta. Indonesia's consul general in his speech lauded the EICA for its initiative to organize the Indonesian Cultural Night, which is in line with the Consulate's efforts to introduce Indonesian culture to the local community. On a small scale, the showcasing of Indonesian dances, costumes, and culinary delicacies is expected to reflect the cultural diversity of Indonesia, some of which have received recognition from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Furthermore, Indonesia's consul general also offered an update on the development of relations between the administrations of Indonesia and Alberta. The relations have continued to intensify in the last three years, which is marked by the mutual visits of the delegations of both parties, particularly with regard to the energy sector. Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson, who had visited Indonesia a few years ago, expressed his views about the country as having a friendly society, delicious culinary delicacies, and diverse cultures. To attend the Cultural Night, Mayor Iveson missed a hockey match between The Edmonton Oilers and San Jose Sharks held at the Rogers Arena stadium in Edmonton. For most Canadians, hockey matches are highly awaited sports events. Mayor Iveson also praised the Indonesian community in Edmonton for its contribution in enriching Canada's cultural diversity. Mayor Iveson reiterated his interest to revisit Indonesia. The Cultural Night Event was used by the KJRI in Vancouver to provide consular services and answer several queries raised by the community on various matters. The excitement of the night's event ended with the Gemu Famire Medley performed by all artists and followed by the guests of honor and visitors.