Fifteen artistes from Indonesia will be performing at Fan Zones during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, ambassador Ridwan Hassan has said.
“We want to contribute in making this prestigious tournament, taking place for the first time in the Arab world, a memorable moment for everyone by showcasing our culture and heritage,” the envoy told Gulf Times.
Hassan noted that the embassy is also planning to organise a Batik Exhibition, among other activities, at Katara – the Cultural Village throughout the football tournament.
“I frequently mention that in inter-state relations, the relationship between governments is certainly important,” Hassan said. “However, the relationship between and among their people should become the foundation of the countries’ diplomacy.”
“This is why Indonesia is always keen to participate in various cultural events in Qatar, including the recently held ‘Community Days Festival’ at the Flag Plaza, because we want to put the people-to-people contact as a key modality in our diplomacy,” he said.
The embassy and members of Indonesian cultural groups in Qatar – Puspa Qinarya (dancing), Sanggar Seni Mesaieed (music and dancing), Rumah Seni Al Khor (music and dancing), Indonesian Ladies Angklung (music), Bahana Indonesia Gemilang Choir, and an Indonesian saxophonist, Budi Wahono, was also involved in the festival – featuring around 154 performers.
“I should extend my highest appreciation to Qatar Museums (QM) and the Museum of Islamic Art who always provide us, the Indonesian Community ample rooms to participate in many cultural events in Qatar,” Hassan said.
In September, the embassy, along with the Association of Indonesian Communities in Qatar (Permiqa), held an array of live demonstrations, traditional shows, and activities to mark the Indonesian Cultural Day at Education City’s Multaqa Plaza.
The event was also part of Indonesia’s 77th Independence Day celebration.
The ambassador lauded “Qatar Creates”, organised by the QM, saying that such an initiative contributes significantly not only in promoting Qatari culture but also in bringing Qatar to another level in terms of its role in world culture.
Hassan described Qatar Creates as a great year-round national cultural movement where “traditionality and modernity meet”.
It curates, promotes, and celebrates the diversity of cultural activities in Qatar and connects resident and global audiences with Qatar’s creative industries.
“It’s a smart idea delivered by the QM to introduce the Qatari traditional culture and its modernity at the same time,” the envoy said. “The embassy has long been collaborating with the QM and closely working with them on preparing the Qatar-Indonesia Year of Culture 2023.”