Indonesia Embassy In Paris Holds Cultural Festival

PARIS, Oct 18 (Antara) - Indonesian Embassy in Paris organized three-day long "Colors of Indonesia" festival featuring a variety of handicrafts performing arts and traditional dances besides dispensing tourism related information. A gamelan orchestra played by French musicians and members of Indonesia diaspora in Paris was also part of the festival. The three-day Colors of Indonesia festival was organized from Friday to Sunday in a series of the HUT RI-71. Indonesia's Ambassador in Paris, Hotmangaradja MP Pandjaitan, told Antara in London on Sunday that the Colors of Indonesia event began with a meeting between Indonesian and French businessmen. It was followed by a diplomatic reception attended by representatives of various groups, government, diplomatic corps as well as entrepreneurs and Indonesian diaspora. The festival also featured cooking lessons dished out by the famous Indonesian chef, Degan S, who revealed the culinary secrets involved in the making of soto ayam, sambal udang and rendang. Bazaar, a part of the festival, featured a variety of products such as batik and woven clothes, knickknacks and Indonesian food bazaar. It was the main attraction not only for people of Indonesia in Paris but also French citizens. "Paparisa ina Pelu- Ale singga dola," a food stand serving yellow rice, fried bananas and also side dishes was an interesting attraction. It was managed by Poppy Paliamana who came to Paris more than 30 years ago. "I am too glad to help promote Indonesian cuisine in Paris," Poppy gushed. Rosdiana Marpaung, who settled in Paris in the 90's, served North Sumatra's culinary products, such as Arsit fish. Rosdiana, who married a French man, admitted she still adored Batak food, and cannot let go of it. The Arsit fish was sold like hot cakes. "That fish is seasoned with Andaliman, the spice found only in Sumatra," Ros added, letting it be known that he buys it from Amazon e-commerce website. According to researchers, Andaliman can be used as an antibiotic, and is widely used in China. Colors of Indonesia festival was a promotional event that focuses not only on culture but also promoted Indonesia as an investment destination. The event was held by Indonesian Embassy in Paris for the second time.