YOGYAKARTA – The diplomatic relations among ASEAN countries is not only conducted by the leaders of the countries, but also the young generation. More interestingly, the dialogue is carried out through cultural art performances. This was done by the student delegates in the series of activities of The 9th ASEAN Youth Cultural Forum at Koesnadi Hardjasoemantri Cultural Center on Tuesday night (24/5).
As many as 15 college delegations from Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Brunei, Laos, and Indonesia showed their skills in arts and cultures. Students of Burapha University in Thailand presented Manora dance as opening performance.
Manora dance describes an angel whose wings are stolen by a prince. In the dance that is played to the clinking of bells and drum beating, it is depicted that the angel cannot return to heaven. The wings will be returned by the prince on condition that the angel is willing to become his wife. The story in the dance is similar to the story of Jaka Tarub in Indonesia.
Separately, five students from the Philippines performed traditional songs and dances which they call A Glimpse of the Barrio. These describe Philippines rural community’s life during colonial times. Participants from University Kebangsaan Malaysia also joined the show. They performed One Malaysia by wearing clothes representing ethnic groups in Malaysia, which are Malay, Chinese and Indian. The rhythm of the music also combines the typical musical rhythm of each ethnic group.
Meanwhile, participants from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, performed acoustic guitar. Interestingly, the guitar represents the songs from various ASEAN countries. Songs of Caca Marica, Gelang Sipatu Gelang, Doraemon theme song were played on the occasion. The last song caused the audience to spontaneously sing along. No wonder, the song is played in the Doraemon movie aired on television.
Universitas Gadjah Mada students closed the series of art performances that night. Representing Indonesia, the participants of UGM performed a contemporary dance entitled ‘Mutiara Nusantara’ (Pearl of Archipelago). The new-creation dance from 10 UGM students combines elements of composition, tradition and Yogyakarta style of gamelan rhythm.
Mutiara Nusantara tells the adventure of Hanuman together with his girlfriend, Trijata, who flew around to all corners of the archipelago. Both stopped by into various areas, ranging from Yogyakarta, Bali, to Papua. Each stopover, both witnessed one dancer performing. In Bali, for example, they enjoyed seeing Pendet dance.
The PIC of the event, Eddy Pursubaryanto, said the art performance had been prepared in advance. The day before the stage, each delegation exercised together. "Each participant brought some traditional musical instruments themselves, but some of them have also brought CDs or DVDs from their countries," he said.
With 10 to 15 minutes of each performance, the committee should be well-prepared to facilitate the performances of the 15 delegates. "Each delegation shows cultural arts respectively. Some countries sent more than one delegation. Malaysia sent four delegations, Thailand sent two delegates," he added.
UGM Rector, Prof. Ir. Sudjarwadi, M. Eng., Ph.D., in his speech said that the cultural event among ASEAN student delegates is expected to further improve cooperation in developing their respective cultures. "Not only in terms of academic, but this event is also to know and recognize each other’s culture," he said.
Executive Director of ASEAN University Network (AUN), Nantana Gajaseni, said such activity strengthens mutual understanding, friendship, and cooperation among ASEAN communities. "The cultural heritage is part of identity that should be preserved. I hope that better network and future for ASEAN generations can be established," she concluded.