From Indonesia All the Way to Hungary

In Diplomacy & Trade’s Witty Leaks series, diplomats give their personal account of the experiences of their 'excursions' to Hungarian culture, art, gastronomy and landscape. This time, it is about how musical collaboration becomes a tool of cultural promotion.

It’s still a very fresh memory how I came to visit Hungary for the first time, as a tourist of course. It was in 1989. I was already amazed with the beautiful landmarks and grandiose streets topped with very fine and classic architectural buildings. I viewed that Hungary, or more precisely Budapest, truly represents the splendor and glory of Europe. Back home, I know everyone would talk about Paris or Rome, but for me, from the very first time I laid my eyes on Budapest, it was obvious that this is the real beauty. That is also the reason why, after my first visit, I kept returning to Budapest, in 1992, 2005 and 2017.

Assistance coming all the way from Indonesia
2017 was a significant year of my true calling to Hungary. Few months before September, I was contacted by the Indonesian Ambassador in charge at that time to help her preparation for the diplomatic reception, held annually by each embassy in the accredited country. It was my wife who’s in charge of the dance and cultural team. We brought all our artists all the way from Indonesia to Hungary to perform Indonesian traditional dances. All I can say it was a very memorable evening with all the invitees dancing altogether with us and I could witness how much Indonesian culture is appreciated in Hungary. Throughout my visits in Hungary, I also witnessed how splendid and unique the Hungarian culture is. In my mind I envisioned a collaboration that can be beautifully done between Indonesia and Hungary through music, dance, or even fine arts. I never thought that only two years later my vision can turn into reality, because in 2019, I was appointed to be the Indonesian Ambassador to Hungary.

Artist-turned-ambassador
Back home in Indonesia, everybody knows me as an artist, art lover and doer. Most people recognize me from their television screen as I used to be part of an 80’s pop band as a bassist. Some also recognize me as a talent promoter or music producer. I was entrusted to lead the Indonesian Recording Association, as well as the Football Association. Back home, I was known as someone who lives inseparably from music and sports. I can tell it’s true. My late father told me that through sports, one can learn fairness, and through music, one can learn to have a peaceful mind.

Musical collaboration
I only had a few months, actually, less than five months to prepare the musical collaboration that I envisioned back in 2017. I called a prestigious Hungarian chamber orchestra and held an online meeting together with our Indonesian musicians. It was a very rare moment to see them practice together through online meeting, and as I can remember it wasn’t even in pandemic season, but we managed to do it. In September 2019, in the Hungarian Heritage House, one of the most beautiful and classical venues, we combined orchestral instruments with Indonesian traditional percussions to produce a harmonious and unique melody that everybody seemed to enjoy very much. The room was packed with people from different nationalities. The performers were so satisfied with the collaboration, and I can proudly add that this has become a role model for our embassies worldwide. That vision came true.
What is a true calling of an ambassador, aside of promoting his/her own country? I can say that we are called to build friendship and cooperation, a collaboration to strengthen our ties, and to enhance our understanding of one another, and this I believe, never can fail with Music.