The EMU Ballroom was transformed by the vibrant colors of Indonesian culture for the annual Indonesian Night on Sunday, hosted by Permias, an Indonesian campus group, and Indonesian Students Association. Through traditional dance, authentic Indonesian food and exhibits showcasing all things Indonesian — from geography to art — students and community members got a glimpse of life in this South Asian country.
Senior Pamela Sastra said the purpose of Indonesian Night is to introduce Indonesian culture. Sastra, a native of Indonesia, was responsible for many of the event’s decorations, including a larger-than-life painting of an Indonesian woman in traditional dress. She is one of the dozens of native Indonesian volunteers.
Part-time student and volunteer Eric Hamdje is also from Indonesia.
“We’re proud to be Indonesian — we are proud to share our culture,” Hamdje said.
Many of the event’s participants, however, were not Indonesian. A multinational Javanese Gamelan music group from the University performed with dozens of Indonesian drums and symbols to open the evening. An a capella group called Overcast also gave a short performance featuring the Beatles’ hit “Blackbird.”
“Apparently, lots of clubs and restaurants in Indonesia have big Western music,” freshman and Overcast member Josh Klatz said. “This shows the cultural interaction.”
Members of the community also supplied many of the exhibits. Eugene resident Lili Weldon displayed wooden carvings from Bali, while senior Ria Muljadi’s mother, who lives in Indonesia, purchased a number of hand-carved puppets and masks for the event.
Lane Community College culinary students Andrew Tan and Frank Kembuan were responsible for the night’s authentic Indonesian cuisine. Delicacies included Ketoprak, an Indonesian tofu appetizer; Redang, a pork dish with spicy Indonesian sauce; and Ayam Panggang, a seasoned chicken dish. An exotic desert called Pacar Cina capped off the meal.
The evening’s performance opened with a short skit introducing various aspects of Indonesian culture, and the Indonesian national anthem, followed by several dances. The first number, the Kecak dance, was a complex performance with choreographed chanting as well as intricate dance.
Junior Visillia Guwana said the role of dance in Indonesian culture is comparable to the role of theater in America.
“In Indonesia, dance is used as storytelling,” Guwana said.
The evening concluded with a fashion show featuring traditional costumes from Bali, Riau, Samarinda and Manado.
Many students in attendance said they had come to the show to learn more about a different culture.
“It broadens people’s perspective on the world,” freshman Tom Selling said. “I always like to try new food, see new performance and dance.”
Sophomore Kristina Pongracz had similar sentiments.
“Events like this help to bring different cultures together,” she said.
Andrew Shipley is a freelance writer
for the Emerald.