Enviro News Asia, Washington, D.C. — The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Washington, D.C. actively participated in ASEAN Culture Day 2025, organized by the ASEAN Spouses’ Circle (ASC) — an association comprising the spouses of Ambassadors and Heads of Mission of ASEAN member states in Washington, D.C. Held at the Embassy of Malaysia under the theme “Community in Celebration,” the event showcased the rich cultural, culinary, and artistic diversity of Southeast Asia.
Indonesia’s participation was led by Ambassador Dwisuryo Indroyono Soesilo and Mrs. Nining Soesilo, accompanied by members of the Dharma Wanita Persatuan (DWP) of the Indonesian Embassy. The Indonesian booth, designed and curated by DWP, captivated visitors with an interactive “kembang kelapa” demonstration — a traditional Betawi craft made from colorful ribbons shaped into flowers and leaves, commonly used to decorate folk festivals, parades, and traditional ceremonies in Jakarta.
Indonesia also presented two vibrant Betawi cultural performances: Malam Pacar, depicting the pre-wedding henna ritual, and Lenggang Nyai, a lively dance performed by Spotlight Academy, an Indonesian diaspora art group in Washington, D.C. The performances were accompanied by a video presentation narrating the history and cultural essence of Betawi traditions. Both drew warm applause from the audience for their dynamic portrayal of Jakarta’s colorful and modern cultural spirit.
Guests were also treated to Indonesian delicacies, including ketan serundeng (sticky rice with spiced coconut) and putu ayu (steamed pandan coconut cake), which became crowd favorites. The event drew over 300 attendees, including Ambassadors, their spouses, diplomats, and officials from the U.S. Department of State and other American government institutions.
Through its participation, Indonesia reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cultural diplomacy and fostering ASEAN solidarity. “Indonesia’s participation in ASEAN Culture Day serves as an important platform to introduce the richness of Indonesian culture and the spirit of ASEAN unity to the international community,” said Ambassador Indroyono Soesilo. (*)
