The China-Indonesia Cultural Art Festival held here on Aug. 6-7 is aimed to introduce Chinese culture to public in Indonesia and strengthen friendship between ethnics living in the country, an expert told Xinhua in an exclusive interview recently.
Jeanne Laksana, chairwoman of the Chinese Indonesian Writer Association, said that the art festival, held on Aug. 6-7, is a part of events to commemorate the 65th anniversary of independence of Indonesia and 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Indonesia and China.
Besides, she said, the event is an invitation to celebrate the diversity of the nation and to return to some historical moments that formed the current Indonesia.
"History, culture and various experiences have formed our identity diversity. We receive them as things that enrich us, not split us," said Laksana.
She also said in the era of New Order regime, Chinese culture and art had no place to grow in Indonesia. But when Abdurrahman Wahid became the fourth president of Indonesia, Chinese could express their culture in Indonesia.
In fact, the Chinese New Year has become an official holiday in the country.
"I think this is a big progress for the country (of letting Chinese culture growing)," she said.
On the other hand, Indonesian traditional culture is enjoyed by many Chinese. She said that many Chinese could play Indonesian traditional music instrument well, referring to the fact that many Chinese middle-age women could play angklung, a West Java musical instrument made of bamboo, well in the performance.
"Although we are not genuine Indonesians, we want to give contribution to the culture development here," she said.
She said that currently, Chinese culture grows rapidly in Indonesia as public could receive and enjoy it.
"For example, Indonesians love Chinese genuine culinary like siomay and bakpao very much," she said, referring to Chinese foods.
She also said that Chinese martial arts of kung fu and wushu have been widely accepted as national martial arts.
"You see, several genuine young Indonesians performed the kung fu and wushu. They are champion of the martial arts competition in Asia," she said.
Editor: Feng Hui
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