TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - As many as 41 different countries participants of Indonesian Arts and Culture Scholarship (IACS) brought an event of conserving Indonesian art and culture on Thursday night, August 18, 2016, at Taman Ismail Marzuki.

The event was the celebration of the Indonesian Independence day and to mark the last and biggest event from its 3 months program.

IACS started in 2003, giving the scholarship to youths who are interested in Indonesian art and culture. Up until 2015, this scholarship has been awarded to 658 youths from 60 countries. The event started with an amazing performance of Indonesian traditional instrument Gamelan. The performances of historical dancing and traditional instruments from fellow participants are also played at the event.

Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi on her speech said, “ I am very proud of all these youth who are coming from 41 different countries in Asia, Pacific, Europe, and America.” She also stated that the Indonesian government is always used Cultural diplomacy or soft power diplomacy to bridge the differences. This program is aimed at strengthening the friendship and diplomatic relations through art and culture.

The participants performed a modernized and often mixed culture from all parts of Indonesia such as Bali, Sumatera, Papua, Java and many more. The youths who many are not Indonesian danced, sang, and played the instruments like a true Indonesian.

They also played the ’17 Agustus’ song with traditional instruments to mark the Indonesian 71st independence day.

“Indonesia, hatiku, rumahku, bangsaku, (Indonesia, my heart, my home, my nation)," said the hosts, Remi and Melissa who are also foreigners.

AUDREY JULIA