Traditional Indonesian music instrument, Angklung, was introduced to students of Qatar International School (QIS) at the International Day Festival held the West Bay campus recently.
Angklung is a popular musical instrument that originated from Sunda, one of Indonesia’s 1,340 ethnic groups. It is made of bamboo tubes of different sizes, attached to a bamboo frame. Each size will resonate different musical notes when shaken.
Traditionally, Angklung is played by a group of people, each holding a different music note and harmonise together to play a song, just like an orchestra. During the festival, QIS students got a chance to try the Angklung under the guidance of a representative from Indonesia Ladies Angklung (ILA).
“We invited teachers and students to play Angklung together with us,” said Yuli, a parent who is also a member of the ILA.
Besides introducing Angklung, the Indonesian booth was decorated with many artifacts from different parts of Indonesia. There were also various Indonesian food and snack that students could sample. To further introduce Indonesian culture, the parents hosted quizzes about Indonesia with prizes handed out to students and teachers who could answer correctly.
“It’s a nice experience to take part in promoting Indonesia during this festival,” said Klara, an Indonesian parent who recently moved to Qatar.
According to Andra, the co-ordinator of the Indonesian booth, this festival was the perfect way to promote Indonesian tourism. In the upcoming era, adventure tourism will be more popular because it will provide exciting new experiences for tourists, and Indonesia, with its 13,000 islands, has many options. From cultural experiences, nature, sporting activities, culinary adventure, and shopping, Indonesia is the perfect destination for vacation.
Thousands of visitors attended the International Day Festival, including students, parents and teachers from different nationalities. It showcased cultures from various countries with one common theme, 'Share our similarities and celebrate our diversity.'
The festival concluded with a flash mob of Gemu Fa Mi Re Dance led by the Indonesian dance club, Puspa Qinarya.
