Indonesian Embassy in Bern and the Government of Liechtenstein have jointly hosted an Indonesia-Liechtenstein cultural evening entitled “Flourishing Ties of Friendship through Culture”, which took place at Hoffkellerei des Fürsten von Liechtenstein in Vaduz on 18 June 2009. The event, which also marked the 11th year of diplomatic relations between the two countries, was dedicated to flourish a stronger friendship between Indonesia and Liechtenstein communities through arts exhibition, cultural performances and gathering. Not less important, the event was also aimed at promoting Indonesian arts and cultural diversities to Liechtenstein communities. The event was attended by at least 450 important guests from Liechtenstein high ranking officials, diplomatic communities, journalists and friends of Indonesia and Liechtenstein, including Liechtenstein Deputy Prime Minister Martin Meyer, Liechtenstein Minister of Forein Affairs Dr. Aurelia Frick, and Andorra’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Xavier Espot Miro. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This evening reception, started from 18.00, was opened by a performance of Gamelan Jawa by “Kiai Gandrung“ from Indonesian Permanent Mission in Geneva, followed by Balinese Dance “Legong Keraton”. Indonesian Ambassador Mrs. Lucia Rustam and Liechtenstein Foreign Minister Dr. Aurelia Frick then co-officially opened the reception. In her welcoming speech, Ambassador Lucia Rustam underlined the importance of the event, which was not just the chance to immerse the guests with Indonesian culture but also served the efforts of both countries to ensure greater understanding and closer friendship through the arts.

Meanwhile, Minister Frick addressed in her remarks that despite being considerably miles apart in terms of geographical and population wise, there are opportunities to widen bilateral ties between the two Countries, especially through cultural and arts. Dr. Frick was very impressed with Indonesia’s hospitality to its great cultural diversity as she witnessed during her tourist visit to Indonesia couple years ago. Following the opening speeches, the reception also showed a special sound performance from Liechtenstein artists “Klanglabor”.

After the opening ceremony, a number of cultural performances by Indonesian artists, as well as an Indonesian Buffet and cocktails accompanied the guests. A showcase of Indonesian cultural performances, from demonstration of Pencak Silat, Balinese Dance “Baris”, to a performance of Indonesian traditional folk songs, were applauded by attendances in the event. Throughout the evening, guests also witnessed displays of remarkable paintings of Indonesian artist Fauzi Asa’ad, and Impressive collection of “Wayang” puppets of Mr. Walter Angst. Indonesian Promotion stand also enriched the highlights of the evening.

The Indonesia-Liechtenstein cultural event in Vaduz has succeed in pursuing the goal to promote ties of friendship on the basis of mutual respect. The event serves as atrong foundation to further consolidate beneficial relations between Indonesia and iechtenstein to in the coming years. The Indonesian Embassy would like to convey a special appreciation to the Liechtenstein Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Justice and Culture, the Liechtenstein Embassy in Bern, Indonesian and Liechtenstein artists, as well as the Indonesian Permanent Mission in Geneva, for their full assistance and support, without which this event could not have been undertaken.

(Indonesian Embassy, Bern)