Eastern Indonesia Spectacular in Sydney

Sanggar Lestari was honoured to be part of the 'Spectacular Eastern Indonesia' showcase, which was part of the 'Eastern Indonesia focus' event, taking place in Sydney from the 21st-23rd of March.

Focus Eastern Indonesia has been creating collaborative partnerships to develop sustainable economic growth and prosperity for the communities in the region. Eastern Indonesia is lesser-known on a global scale, yet they have had significant historical relationships with Australia and the Pacific region.

As you may know, Mama Ning has Eastern Indonesian heritage through her Ambonese roots and at Sanggar Lestari we love showcasing culture from all around Indonesia, including the East!

This event highlighted the vibrant dance and rich musical traditions from the Eastern Region of Indonesia including the well-loved line dance, the Poco-Poco.

We were so lucky to be part of this great event as the Master of The Poco-Poco, Yopie Latul performed here. If you've met anyone from Sanggar Lestari, you'll know that we all love any excuse for a line dance. (Don't be surprised if we start one at your next event) It was incredible to finally perform the Poco-Poco with the original singer, Yopie Latul, performing it live!

For this performance, Sanggar Lestari Melbourne collaborated with Maluku Basudara to perform Tari Tifa (Hio-Hio) and Tari Taume Anuku from Nusa Tenggara Timur. We had an incredible team on board with Mama Ning, Mama Yulita, Bibi Ua, Laura, Lucy, Yana, Seraina, Jess and Habibi flying up from Melbourne, as well as a whole group from Maluku Basudara Melbourne. The more the merrier!

We were also lucky enough to rock some incredible designs by 'Mama Theo', who designs tenun-inspired outfits and creates intricate jewellery by re-using fish scales! We were honoured to model these outfits at the showcase, some of which have premiered in New York Fashion Shows.

We loved being part of this wonderful event! It was a lovely experience exploring Sydney as a group and meet other like-minded groups who share an interest and passion for Eastern Indonesia.

During the busy and exciting weekend, we were pleased to visit Bondi, indulge at Sydney's Fish Market, Visit Manly Beach, take tourist photos at the Opera House and Harbour Bridge and visit our friends at Suara Indonesia Studios. We have collaborated and supported this great Sanggar's events in past and were overdue for a catchup and some Nasi Kuning - Thanks Mbak Alfira!

We strongly encourage you to learn more about Eastern Indonesia's beautiful culture and incredible landscapes. This area of Indonesia includes some of the most beautiful beaches and spectacular marine life!

We can't wait for the next showcase - Let's continue to explore the beauty of Eastern Indonesia together!

A huge thank you to all involved in this great event!

Special mention to Mama Ina for organising our Sanggar's accommodation for the Showcase night and to our dancer, Laura, for flying in and out of Sydney in just 24 hours to be part of this event!

Performers for Tari Tifa Taume Anuku: Laura, Yana, Seriana, Lucy, Jess , Yulitta, Mama Ina, Christin, Wulan
Models for Mama Theo's line: Nadine, Laura, Seriana, Lucy, Jess , Yulitta, Mama Ina, Christin, Wulan
MC: Yana and Maya