It was a double treat for Indonesian children from Mesaieed at Summer Entertainment City (SEC) as they first got to perform cultural shows and then enjoyed different amusement activities at the facility.
A troupe of young students from Mesaieed, mostly the students of Mesaieed International School (MIS), recently displayed amazing entertaining musical performances at Doha Exhibition and Convention Center.
There were families and children present at the facility in large numbers and they really appreciated the performance of the group named Sanggar Seni (Art Club) Mesaieed. The young children clad in traditional Indonesian clothes lightened up the stage enchanting the audience with their charming dance movements.
The SEC organisers have set up a stage on the right corner of DEC to hold different cultural performances by different community artiste groups. The cultural shows have proven to be a big entertainment activity for those who visit the SEC with their families.
Felisia Ika Ristiani is a house wife and one of the six people who trained the young children. She was seemingly overjoyed by the performance of the kids and the response they got from the audience. Talking to Community, Ika said: “I am the teacher for dance class and angklung class. We are six moms running the club, Sanggar Seni Mesaieed. The others are namely; Anita Prabawa, Tri Rusitaningrum, Neny Qurrotuaini, Nanik Mawarti, and Diana Pratiwi. We also have full support from all parents who help us in having many arrangements to keep this club going. And important thing is that we have full support from Mesaieed International School (one of QP schools), which accommodates us in providing place for practicing every week.”
She added: “The kids are always excited when there comes the time to perform in SEC. They actually have so many entertainment facilities at SEC after they finished their cultural performance. Even today, they will not be ready to leave for home till late at night as they will enjoy different rides and swings that SEC offers. They want to enjoy all the rides, games, and other performances as well.
“Further, it is very great to have full support from our embassy in Doha. Our performance today was also witnessed by our ambassador Muhammad Basri Sidehabi and other staff of the embassy.”
When asked to explain the performances that the children presented, she said: “The first performance was called ‘Dance Gemufamire’. It is originated from Maumere, East of Nusa Tenggara. It is about joy and happiness with friends and relatives.
“The second performance was ‘Angklung’ performed by Mesaieed Angklung Army, kids aged from 10 to 13 years old. Angklung is traditional music instrument from the west of Java which is made from bamboo. The interesting thing about playing Angklung is that you cannot play it alone. You have to play it in a group so it can produce a beautiful harmony as a song. In a group that contains so many members who have unique personality and social background – but we have to be able to unite to create a beautiful song. It represents Indonesian motto, ‘Bhinneka Tunggal Ika’ – meaning unity in diversity.”
Muhammad Basri Sidehabi, who enjoyed the dances with other Indonesian community members, said: “Every year, there is SEC in Doha and every year there is an Indonesian cultural performance at the facility. We support the SEC organisers in having culturally diverse activities at the stage. You have seen that our talented children have brought forth different cultural performances.
“We have a strong Indonesian community in Qatar. The Indonesian expatriates are mostly professionals working in different walks of life here. As an ambassador, I am very proud to see our cultural performance here.
“I believe such opportunities as offering cultural performances at the SEC will further promote the Indonesian culture. People all over the world live and work in Qatar. The SEC is a place where all people like to come with families. Our performance here introduces our culture to the people of diverse backgrounds. I think it also helps us in furthering our ties with different communities in Qatar.”
GROUP: Students seen with teachers and officials at the Summer Entertainment City (SEC).
