This weekend will see a celebration of the cultural and economic ties between Indonesia and Australia in Byron Shire. The Australian and Indonesian Arts Alliance (AIAA) will be bringing together a range of speakers and cross cultural experiences celebrating both the similarities and differences of our cultures.
Indonesian Consul General Bpk Yayan Mulyana will present the keynote speech at the good neighbours forum that will also be the launch of the AIAA hub.
The forum will bring together a range of speakers who are looking to create collaboration between Indonesia and Australia. Speakers will cover areas including art and literature, coastal management, plastic and the illegal trade in wildlife.
‘This forum represents an important initiative by AIAA to set up a professional AIAA Hub based in the Byron Shire,’ said Judy Shelley, director of AIAA.
‘We want to establish a data base and networking agency that promotes the theme of good neighbours through professional skill sharing, research and project exchange between Australia and Indonesia.’
‘In a small area there is an amazing amount of talent that can be shared,’ said Dee Tipping the AIAA assistant coordinator.
For more information on the forum contact Dee Tipping on [email protected].
World Premier
The weekend will also see the world premier dance performance Bedoyo Pager Bumi take place on Saturday 1 April, also Byron harmony day, at 7pm at Byron High School.
Internationally renowned Indonesian filmmaker Garin Nugroho has directed the performance that is a gift from the Provincial Government of Jogjakarta. It tells the story of the great conflagration the Javanese people faced with the impact of Dutch colonisation of the East Indies and the influx of the Muslim faith during the 19th Century. This created a different way of trading, a new form of capitalism that had not been part of society before, and a new ideology.
‘I am extremely excited about this production coming here, it is a rare privilege for our shire to host a performance such as Bedoyo Pager Bumi,’ said Shelley.
Entry is by $5 donation and free for students.
