FestivalDC.Com - Arts and Culture - by George Newcomb • May 6, 2013 • When five Washington, DC area Indonesian women founded Rumah Indonesia in August of last year, their mission was simple: to instill in the ever growing number of Indonesian children born outside Indonesia with values consistent with traditions and customs of Indonesian culture. In just under a year, they have teamed up with American University's School of International Service and obtained the support of Dr. Haryo Winarso, who is the Educational and Cultural Attache at the Embassy of Indonesia here in Washington.
To accomplish their mission, the group hosts a series of cultural events featuring a particular region within Indonesia. This past Sunday, the group presented, in conjunction with American University and the embassy, a program entitled, "Go West Sumatra: The Land of Triumphant Buffalo".
"I am absolutely delighted that you are using this to transmit culture," Dr. Pek Koon Heng, Director of ASEAN Studies Center at American University told the audience.
Sumatra is located in the western part of Indonesia. It is the largest island that is located entirely within Indonesia. It is also the sixth largest Island in the world with a population of over 50 million. It is a very diverse island and is known mostly for its nature. Jungles, volcanoes and lakes are plentiful. Its rain forest was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006 and is now known as The Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra.
With a rich history dating to 500 BC, Sumatra eventually came under the control of the Dutch East Indies. Trading towns flourished throughout its history to eventually become a major producer of pepper, rubber and oil. The island gained its independence in 1949.
One unique tradition to West Sumatra is Randai, a theatrical performance which incorporates music, singing, dance, drama and martial arts (silat). Guests at Sunday's event were treated to a Randai, performed by members of Rumah Gadang Group, an Arlington (VA) based Minang Traditional dance and music company. The group's founders, Muhammad Afdal and Nani Afdal are natives of West Sumatra.
"We want to promote [our culture] to help in the bridging between West Sumatra and America," stated Muhammad. "Also, we want to educate the next generation in knowing where their home is. The next generation will know their roots and to learn to respect adults. We let the kids know where they are and they can also be proud of their ancestors."
Rumah Gadang Group also performed three traditional dances. They also interacted with children afterward to teach them basic dance steps. An extensive photograhic exhibit of West Sumatra brought the island to life through its beautiful imagery. Several artifacts were also on display, and guests also were able to sample food native to West Sumatra.
The five founding members are: Livia Iskandar, Tricia Sumarijanto, Wita Pradonggo, Ifa H. Misbach and Debbie Sumual-Patlis. For bios on the five founders and further information about Rumah Indonesia, please visit their website: http://www.rumah-indonesia.org/index.html. For information about Rumah Gadang Group, please visit: http://www.rumahgadang-usa.org/
source:
http://www.festivaldc.com/blog/archives/16387#
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