Jakarta. Indonesian youth recently pulled off a string of stunning performances at the Indonesian Embassy in Ottawa, reflecting the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Kids and teens performed the traditional Saman dance in sync at the embassy’s Panggung Merdeka and Bazaar over the weekend. 

The event was also part of Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day festivities. The Saman dance — known for its rapid movements and complex formation changes — saw thunderous applause from the audience. The Saman dance, which comes from the Gayo highlands of Aceh, has made it to UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list.

“Some of the performances shown today are recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage. This is something that we must preserve together,” Indonesian Ambassador to Canada Muhsin Syihab said. 

The event also featured Balinese gamelan, angklung, and kolintang — all of which are also on UNESCO’s list. Semara Winangun, whose members are mostly Canadians, performed the Balinese gamelan. They have received cultural awards from the Indonesian embassy and the Indonesian Cultural Ministry.

The show didn’t stop there. Tari Topeng Keras, Anging Mammirih, Zapin, Pendet, Giring-Giring were also some of the dance performances shown. Montreal-based keroncong band and the embassy’s HRPMKLM band also enlivened the event. The audience also danced to the viral “Kicau Mania” dance. Indonesian preschoolers and elementary students also sang “Satu Nusa Satu Bangsa”.

Indonesia sees cultural diplomacy and people-to-people ties as a major booster to bilateral relations.  

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