Enviro News Asia, Washington, D.C. — The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Washington, D.C., in collaboration with the Dharma Wanita Persatuan (DWP) Washington, D.C., hosted “Vibrant Harmony of Indonesia: A Cultural Journey with Angklung,” a cultural program held as part of the ASEAN Spouse Committee’s activities. The event celebrated the 15th anniversary of Angklung’s recognition as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage on 16 November 2010 and aimed to introduce Indonesia’s cultural richness to the international community in an inclusive and engaging setting.
Ambassadors and spouses from ASEAN countries, alongside members of the wider diplomatic corps, attended the gathering marked by warm interaction and high enthusiasm. Indonesian Ambassador Indroyono Soesilo opened the event by highlighting the global recognition of Angklung and its origins in West Java, where the instrument was traditionally played to express gratitude for a bountiful harvest. He emphasized that Angklung is inherently democratic—each instrument produces a single tone, making harmony possible only through cooperation. “Angklung reflects democracy in musical form—sometimes harmonious, sometimes dynamic, depending on the conductor,” he remarked.
Nining Soesilo, spouse of the Ambassador, introduced the Angklung performers representing a wide array of nationalities, including the United States, Nepal, Peru, the Philippines, France, India, Sri Lanka, South Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, and Laos. She underscored that Angklung is an instrument accessible to all, transcending national and linguistic boundaries.
An interactive workshop became the highlight of the event, as many participants—experiencing Angklung for the first time—learned basic playing techniques and joined in performing several songs. The melodies of Heal the World, Rasa Sayange, and Kopi Dangdut filled the room, demonstrating the versatility of Angklung across musical genres.
The event reaffirmed Indonesia’s ongoing commitment to cultural diplomacy in the United States. Through consistent and collaborative initiatives such as this, the Embassy continues to strengthen Indonesia’s positive image and deepen people-to-people connections—an essential foundation of Indonesia–U.S. bilateral relations. (*)
