Minangkabau Culture Featured in Diplomatic Reception in Rome

TEMPO.CO, London - Pasambahan dance, a typical dance of Minangkabau, West Sumatra was featured during the Diplomatic Reception in Rome, Italy, to commemorate the 73 years of Indonesian independence on Tuesday, Oct. 23.

The dance was a symbol of welcome greeting and expression of respect for 250 guests, members of the diplomatic community, officials, and members of parliament of Italy, as well as partners of Indonesian Embassy in Rome.

The guests came from many regions of Italy, such as Genoa, Florence, Napoli, and Sicilia. Piring dance was also presented to accompany the guests enjoying the feast. One of the menus was beef rendang from West Sumatra, said Aisyah M. Allamanda, an official at Indonesian Embassy in Rome, to Antara on Thursday, Oct. 25.

The Seni Budaya Studio Team from Pasaman district administration showed various traditional dances and songs in the reception. Besides, three Italians which were alumni of Indonesian culture and art scholarship program sang Italian national anthem Fratelli d'Italia and Indonesia Raya.

During the session, Indonesian Ambassador in Italy, Esti Andayani, asked the guests to take a moment of silence and pray for the victims of natural disaster in the archipelago. She then hoped the ties between Indonesia and Italy in numerous sectors would be further maintained.

West Sumatra Governor Irwan Prayitno attended the diplomatic reception along with Payakumbuh Mayor Riza Pahlevi, Agam Regent Indra Catri, and Pasaman Deputy Regent Atos Pratama. They expected West Sumatra art and cultural performances could promote the region's potential tourism.

Ahead of the 70 years of bilateral ties between Indonesia and Italy in 2019, both partnership is getting better, and that was seen from the trade surplus, arrival hike of Italian tourist to Indonesia, and various new collaborations in the creative economy, media, and education sector.

ANTARA